Cream Chicken With Macaroni
Cream Chicken With Macaroni offers a rich, cheesy flavor with tender chicken and pasta, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan; add flour, cream cheese, chopped pimiento, salt, and pepper, and blend well.
- Combine milk and chicken broth and gradually add to the mixture, stirring constantly.
- Heat to boiling and cook for 3 minutes.
- Add cooked, diced chicken and cooked macaroni to the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake in a moderate oven at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk, or add an extra ounce of cream cheese. If you don't have pimiento, diced bell peppers or olives can work as substitutes. Make sure to stir constantly when adding liquids to prevent lumps. This dish is a great way to use leftover chicken from other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can serve it with garlic bread for a comforting family dinner, or alongside crusty rolls. For a heartier side, consider serving it with roasted potatoes or a side of Noodle Soup Parmigiana.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with foil to retain moisture, then bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream Chicken With Macaroni contains roughly 353 calories, with 4g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1336mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While macaroni is traditional, you can substitute with any short pasta like penne or fusilli. Just ensure it is cooked al dente to hold up well in the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking step. Cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Certainly! You can replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain the flavor profile.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).