Ultimate Cheesy Chicken and Veggie Mac
Elevate your mac and cheese game with this comforting and creamy dish that combines tender shredded chicken, al dente elbow macaroni, and a generous blend of frozen vegetables all enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce. Inspired by Kraft Foods but made from scratch with freshest ingredients, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy both young and old alike. Customize it with your favorite vegetables, whether it’s bright green broccoli, creamy cauliflower, or sweet peas – the choice is yours! Add a little kick with cayenne pepper for those who enjoy a spicy twist. Perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings, this one-dish meal is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breast
1/2 lb (cooked and shredded)
Elbow macaroni
2 1/2 cups (uncooked)
Frozen vegetables
1 bag (10 ounces) (any mix you prefer)
Milk
1 cup (whole or low-fat)
Processed cheese (e.g., Velveeta)
16 ounces (cubed)
Butter
1/4 cup (unsalted)
Cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions in a large pot. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add in the frozen vegetables so they are cooked through but still vibrant in color and texture.
2
Once the noodles and veggies are cooked, drain them in a colander and return them to the pot. Stir in the shredded chicken.
3
Over medium heat, add the cubed processed cheese, milk, butter, and spices to the noodles and chicken mixture. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy. Ensure everything is heated through evenly.
4
Once ready, serve directly onto plates and indulge in the ooey-gooey goodness!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Cheesy Chicken and Veggie Mac?
It is a comforting and creamy dish that combines tender shredded chicken, al dente elbow macaroni, and frozen vegetables in a rich, cheesy sauce.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include chicken breast, elbow macaroni, frozen vegetables, milk, processed cheese, butter, and seasonings like cayenne pepper and garlic powder.
How much chicken do I need?
You need 1/2 lb of boneless skinless chicken breast that has been cooked and shredded.
What type of pasta is best for this dish?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 1/2 cups of elbow macaroni.
What kind of frozen vegetables should I use?
You can use any 10-ounce bag of frozen vegetables you prefer, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or sweet peas.
Is this recipe spicy?
It includes 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a little kick, but this can be adjusted to taste.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The recipe recommends 16 ounces of cubed processed cheese, such as Velveeta, for a creamy consistency.
Can I use low-fat milk?
Yes, you can use either whole milk or low-fat milk for the cheese sauce.
When do I add the frozen vegetables during cooking?
Add the frozen vegetables to the boiling pasta water during the last 5 minutes of the macaroni's cooking time.
How do I prepare the chicken for this recipe?
The chicken should be boneless and skinless, cooked beforehand, and then shredded.
How much butter is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of unsalted butter.
What spices are used in the cheese sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
How do I make the sauce creamy?
Stir the cubed cheese, milk, butter, and spices continuously over medium heat until the cheese melts completely.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is considered a convenient one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients listed for this dish.
Can I customize the vegetables?
Absolutely! You can use bright green broccoli, creamy cauliflower, sweet peas, or any mix you enjoy.
Is this recipe inspired by any specific brand?
The recipe is inspired by Kraft Foods but made from scratch with fresh ingredients.
Should the pasta be cooked before adding cheese?
Yes, the macaroni and vegetables should be cooked and drained before adding the cheese and milk.
How much garlic powder should I add?
The recipe calls for 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder, adjusted to your personal taste.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions in a large pot.
How do I serve the Ultimate Cheesy Chicken and Veggie Mac?
It is best served directly onto plates immediately after the cheese has melted and the mixture is heated through.
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
The recipe suggests unsalted butter, but you can use salted butter and adjust the additional salt to taste.
What if I don't like cayenne pepper?
You can omit the cayenne pepper or reduce the amount for a milder flavor.
How much milk is needed for the sauce?
You will need 1 cup of milk.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
While elbow macaroni is traditional, you could substitute it with similar small pasta like shells or rotini.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is a comforting meal designed to satisfy both young and old alike.
How large should the cheese cubes be?
The recipe suggests cubing the 16 ounces of processed cheese to help it melt more evenly and quickly.
Can I add extra salt?
Yes, salt and pepper should be added to taste at the end of the cooking process.
Do I need to cook the vegetables separately?
No, you can save time by adding them directly to the pot with the pasta during the last 5 minutes of boiling.
What makes the sauce rich?
The combination of processed cheese, milk, and butter creates a rich and indulgent sauce.