Go Back
baked italian chicken mac and cheese recipe

Baked Italian Chicken Mac and Cheese

Chef Roberto, an Italian-American cuisine expert from Eat Every Slice, smiling while holding a plate of freshly made pasta garnished with basil.Roberto
A delicious twist on a classic, this Baked Italian Chicken Mac and Cheese combines creamy cheese, tender chicken, and al dente pasta for a comforting family dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet
  • 1 Large pot for boiling pasta
  • 1 large baking dish

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins

  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup fresh spinach
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Let rest and then slice into bite-sized pieces.
  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in mozzarella and parmesan until melted.
  • Mix cooked macaroni, chicken, and cheese sauce in a large baking dish. Ensure everything is well-coated.
  • Top with additional cheese if desired. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

Serving

  • Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if using.

Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Notes

Pro Tips: Use freshly grated cheese for better melting. Do not overcook the chicken to prevent dryness.
Ingredient Substitutions: Substitute chicken with turkey for a different flavor.
How to Serve: Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container and consume within 3 days.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the dish and refrigerate before baking. Bake when ready to serve.
Keyword baked italian chicken mac and cheese, creamy chicken pasta, family dinner recipe