Macaroni Deluxe(This Is A Great Macaroni Dish.)
A creamy, cheesy macaroni casserole with savory chicken, mushrooms, pimentos, and a crunchy bread crumb topping, perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup macaroni ⓘ
- 1 cup soft bread crumbs
- 1 jar pimentos, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon onion, diced fine ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups scalding milk ⓘ
- 1/4 cup melted butter ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- 1 1/2 cups grated American cheese ⓘ
- dash paprika
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, diced ⓘ
- 1 cup Minute rice ⓘ
- 2 cans onion soup ⓘ
- 1 stick oleo ⓘ
- 1 jar mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/4 cup pimentos ⓘ
- 1 cooked chicken, diced
- 1 c. cooked rice (you may use Minute rice) ⓘ
Instructions
- Boil the chicken until cooked, then skin and bone it. Save the broth for later use.
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, diced cooked chicken, chopped pimentos, diced onion, and drained mushrooms.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add scalding milk, melted butter, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the egg mixture into the macaroni mixture, then stir in grated American cheese and chopped parsley.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Top with soft bread crumbs and a dash of paprika.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot and enjoy this hearty, cheesy dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese to the mixture. You can substitute the American cheese with cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor profile. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, it works perfectly in this recipe. Don’t forget to adjust the cooking time based on your oven's performance to ensure a perfectly baked dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Macaroni Deluxe with a side salad for a refreshing contrast. It pairs beautifully with Chicken And Brown Rice or a simple vegetable medley. For a heartier meal, consider serving with crusty bread or garlic bread. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, providing a comforting and satisfying option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the macaroni in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Macaroni Deluxe(This Is A Great Macaroni Dish.) contains roughly 866 calories, with 39g protein, 144g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (195% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (124% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (117% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2921mg per serving (127% 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 prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the macaroni mixture a day in advance. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of pimentos?
If you don't have pimentos, you can substitute them with roasted red peppers or chopped green bell peppers for a similar flavor. Alternatively, you can omit them entirely if you prefer a simpler taste or if they aren't available.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers or use cooked lentils for protein. Skip the chicken broth and use vegetable broth instead, and ensure that the cheese is vegetarian-friendly to make it a delightful vegetarian dish.
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).