Looking for a quick, delicious, and family-friendly recipe? Say hello to creamy chicken macaroni pasta! This hearty meal brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked macaroni, and a velvety sauce that’s bound to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

chicken macaroni pasta recipe

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or treating yourself to a cozy dinner, this recipe will quickly become your go-to.

Here’s how you can make it in under 30 minutes. Get your apron ready!

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta shape)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups of elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions (usually 8–10 minutes) or until al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta, drizzle with olive oil to prevent clumping, and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

  1. Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté until fragrant and translucent (about 2–3 minutes).
  2. Mix in the cooked chicken, stirring well to coat it in garlic and onion flavors.
  3. Add the milk, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir thoroughly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Add the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes, ensuring everything is evenly combined.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

  1. Toss the cooked macaroni into the skillet with the creamy chicken sauce. Mix well to ensure each piece of pasta is coated with the luscious sauce.
  2. Simmer over low heat for another 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

  1. Dish up the chicken macaroni pasta onto plates or bowls.
  2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that perfect finishing touch.
  3. Serve warm and enjoy!

Recipe Tips for Success

  1. Cook Pasta Al Dente

Overcooked pasta can get mushy when mixed with the sauce. Keep it slightly firm for the best texture.

  1. Perfect Shredded Chicken

Use leftover chicken, a rotisserie chicken, or boil a chicken breast and shred it with two forks. If you're short on time, pre-cooked chicken works beautifully.

  1. Thicker Sauce

If the sauce feels too thin, sprinkle a bit of all-purpose flour or cornstarch (about 1 teaspoon) while whisking to thicken it up.

  1. Switch Up the Pasta

While elbow macaroni is classic, you can use penne, rigatoni, or fusilli for a fun twist.

  1. Add Vegetables

Sneak in health by adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers for extra color and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy and Quick: Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
  • Kid-Friendly: Creamy and cheesy flavors make this a hit with kids.
  • Versatile: You can modify the recipe by swapping ingredients or adding veggies.
  • Comforting and Delicious: Brings that warm, home-cooked feeling with every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the pasta and sauce separately ahead of time. When ready to serve, simply reheat and combine the two.

Can I Use Other Types of Chicken?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, roasted chicken, or even leftover turkey all work well with this recipe.

Is There a Dairy-Free Option?

Yes, you can use dairy-free milk (like almond or oat milk) and vegan cream alternatives. Substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.

Can This Be Made Gluten-Free?

Swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta, and use gluten-free flour to thicken the sauce if needed.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy bowl of chicken macaroni pasta to bring comfort to your dinner table. With a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it for yourself, and don’t forget to share your creation on social media using the hashtag [#WegoaHandMade].

Want to discover more family-friendly recipes or take your culinary skills to the next level? Subscribe to our blog for more delicious insights, and turn your kitchen into a hub of tasty memories.

Happy cooking! 🍴

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