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shredded chicken macaroni and cheese casserole

Shredded Chicken Macaroni and Cheese Casserole Recipe

Amy
Shredded chicken macaroni and cheese casserole recipe can be a full meal in itself. The soft creamy cheese noodles and added protein of tender shredded chicken is filling and ready in minimum cook time.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Last baking time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 761 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Medium saucepan
  • 1 Skillet
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 spoon
  • ⅛ teaspoon
  • 1 Tablespoon
  • 1 Cup
  • 1 colander
  • 1 Baking dish with lid
  • 1 Airtight container

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces cavatappi macaroni noodles
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
  • ½ cup milk
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 cup is for the topping before being baked.
  • teaspoon salt
  • teaspoon pepper
  • teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 4 oz boneless skinless chicken breast

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook the cavatappi macaroni noodles according to the package directions until al dente. When finished, remove from heat, drain water out in a colander and pour the cooked noodles back into empty saucepan.
  • Grease baking dish with extra virgin olive oil, place chicken in it and cover with lid. Bake in oven until cooked through and there is no pink. About twenty minutes.
  • In a medium saucepan over low to medium heat, melt butter. Then add all-purpose flour. Stir with a whisk continually until mixture is lightly browned.
  • Pour the heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper and garlic powder in skillet slowly. Wisk until the mixture is thickened.
  • Turn heat down to simmer and stir in the shredded cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and a creamy texture. Remove from heat.
  • Pour noodles in baking dish and immediately pour the cheese sauce over the noodles. Stir until all is combined well.
  • Immediately pour the cheese sauce over the noodles. Stir until all is combined well.
  • Once the chicken is baked and cooled, shred it into fine pieces.
  • Add the chicken pieces to the macaroni and cheese and mix all together.
  • Pour the remaining shredded cheese over the top.
  • Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for five minutes.

Notes

Hint: Be very careful when removing the lid from the baking dish as the oil may be sizzling.

Substitutions

    • Noodles - instead of using the cavatappi macaroni noodles, you can use another type if you prefer. Try using what you have on hand. Such as uncooked elbow macaroni or whole wheat pasta.
    • Broth - if you would prefer, you could bake the chicken breasts in chicken broth or chicken stock.

Storage

Have leftovers and want to enjoy some the next day? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. After that, the noodles may begin to not be as soft.
Keyword shredded chicken macaroni and cheese