Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese (Easy 30-Minute Dinner)
This creamy chicken mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort meal, combining tender, seasoned chicken with a rich, velvety cheese sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a satisfying, protein-packed dish perfect for busy weeknights or cozy evenings.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken
Pasta
- 12 oz cavatappi or elbow macaroni
Dairy Base
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Cheese Blend
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
- 3/4 cup gruyère cheese freshly grated
Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt plus more for pasta water
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 pinch dry mustard powder optional
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear in a hot skillet with oil for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Rest for 5 minutes, then dice or shred.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just shy of al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 90 seconds. Slowly whisk in milk, then add cream. Cook until thickened, about 4–5 minutes.
- Remove saucepan from heat. Gradually stir in cheddar and gruyère cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and mustard powder.
- Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Fold in chicken. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
For extra flavor, try variations like buffalo chicken (add hot sauce), BBQ chicken (brush with BBQ sauce), or add roasted broccoli for a healthier twist. Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop with added milk to restore creaminess.