Chicken macaroni with cream cheese
Chicken macaroni with cream cheese is a creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken and rich flavors, making it a quick and satisfying meal. This comforting recipe combines macaroni with a creamy sauce for a delightful family favorite.
Cook time 10 min
Prep time 5 min
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil1 chicken breasts
4 tbsp cream cheese
1 tbsp butter
2 tbsp milk (2% fat)
1 cup macaroni
Chicken macaroni with cream cheese is a delightful and creamy pasta dish that is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. This recipe combines tender chicken, rich cream cheese, and buttery macaroni to create a comforting dish that will surely become a family favorite.
Instructions:
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt.
- Once boiling, add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- Drain and set the cooked macaroni aside.
- While the macaroni is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper if desired.
- Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Once the butter is melted, add the 4 tablespoons of cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of milk.
- Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts fully and combines with the milk to form a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the creamy sauce.
- Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
- Add the drained macaroni to the skillet and mix everything together until the macaroni is well coated with the sauce and combined with the chicken.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the chicken macaroni with cream cheese hot. Enjoy!
This chicken macaroni with cream cheese recipe is simple yet delicious, offering a creamy and satisfying meal in just a few steps. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to share with friends and family, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy your creamy chicken macaroni!
Chicken macaroni with cream cheese FAQ:
Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, which is usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
The chicken is fully cooked when it is no longer pink in the center and has an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Yes, you can substitute macaroni with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli, but cooking times may vary slightly.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave until heated through.
For a lighter alternative, you could use Greek yogurt or sour cream, but the flavor and texture will differ from cream cheese.
Cooking Tips:
- For extra flavor, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs before cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture.
- You can add vegetables like peas, broccoli, or bell peppers to make the dish more nutritious and colorful.
- Use whole grain macaroni or your favorite pasta shape to switch things up and add more variety.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente to hold up well when mixed with the creamy sauce.
Nutrition Facts
1 ServingsCalories 560kcal
Protein 40g
Carbohydrates 44g
Fiber 6g
Sugar 7g
Fat 36g
More recipes
Peanut butter cookies
Delicious soft and chewy peanut butter cookies with crunchy peanuts.
21 Apr 2026Baby kale and blackberry salad with almonds and rosemary
A refreshing baby kale salad with blackberries, avocado, and toasted almonds.
21 Apr 2026Easy homemade garlic butter
Make flavorful homemade garlic butter in minutes with garlic and rosemary.
21 Apr 2026