Creamy Chicken & Macaroni Cheese Bake
This comforting Creamy Chicken & Macaroni Cheese Bake is a delightful, hearty dish that combines tender pieces of chicken and perfectly cooked macaroni enveloped in a luscious cream of mushroom sauce. It's topped with melty low-fat cheddar cheese for a satisfying finish. Designed with Weight Watchers in mind, this casserole packs a flavor punch at just 6 points per serving. Whether you're serving it to a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it's a delicious way to enjoy a wholesome, one-dish meal that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked macaroni
2 cups (cooked according to package instructions)
chicken breasts
2 cups (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
cream of mushroom soup
2 cups (undiluted)
skim milk
2 cups (none)
low-fat cheddar cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure an even bake.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, chopped chicken breasts, undiluted cream of mushroom soup, skim milk, and low-fat cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well-coated.
3
Transfer the mixture into a large, greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
4
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, until heated through.
5
Once the time is up, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
6
Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, and serve immediately for a comforting dining experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken & Macaroni Cheese Bake?
It is a comforting, hearty casserole that combines tender chicken and macaroni in a creamy mushroom sauce topped with melted cheddar cheese.
How many Weight Watchers points is this recipe?
This recipe is designed to be 6 points per serving according to Weight Watchers guidelines.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure an even bake.
How much macaroni is required for this recipe?
You will need 2 cups of macaroni that has been cooked according to the package instructions.
Does the macaroni need to be cooked before baking?
Yes, the macaroni should be cooked according to the package instructions before being mixed with the other ingredients.
What type of soup is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of undiluted cream of mushroom soup.
Can I use a different kind of soup?
While the recipe specifies cream of mushroom, you could likely substitute with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup.
What kind of milk should I use?
Skim milk is recommended to keep the recipe lower in fat and Weight Watchers friendly.
How much cheese is included in the bake?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of shredded low-fat cheddar cheese.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken breasts should be chopped into bite-sized pieces before being combined with the other ingredients.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time is between 45 to 60 minutes, including the time baked with and without foil.
Do I need to cover the dish while it bakes?
Yes, cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil for the first 35-45 minutes of baking.
Why do I remove the foil at the end of baking?
Removing the foil for the last 10-15 minutes allows the top to become golden and bubbly.
Is this recipe good for meal prepping?
Yes, this dish is designed with meal prepping in mind and can be easily portioned for the week.
How many main ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: cooked macaroni, chicken breasts, cream of mushroom soup, skim milk, and low-fat cheddar cheese.
Can I use regular cheddar cheese?
You can use regular cheddar, but it will increase the fat content and the Weight Watchers points value.
What type of dish should I use for baking?
A large, greased casserole dish is recommended to ensure even spreading of the mixture.
Is this dish considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is a wholesome one-dish meal that combines protein, pasta, and sauce in one pan.
How do I store the leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I add vegetables to this bake?
Yes, adding vegetables like peas, broccoli, or mushrooms would be a great way to customize the dish.
Is this recipe low-fat?
Yes, by using skim milk and low-fat cheddar cheese, this recipe is designed to be a lower-fat comfort food option.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Yes, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe.
What can I serve with this macaroni bake?
A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables would pair perfectly with this hearty dish.
Should the soup be diluted with water?
No, the cream of mushroom soup should be used undiluted for the proper consistency.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
While macaroni is traditional, other small pasta shapes like shells or fusilli would work well.
How do I know when the bake is done?
The bake is done when it is heated through and the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free certified cream of mushroom soup.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, it is a crowd-pleasing comfort food that is ideal for family dinners.
How should I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat portions in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Allowing the dish to cool slightly for a few minutes helps the sauce set before serving.