Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Mac
A cozy, filling dinner that combines pasta, chicken, broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce for a comforting meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Macaroni (or any short pasta like shells or rotini)
- 2 cups Cooked and chopped chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 2 cups Broccoli (fresh florets or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 tablespoons Flour (for thickening the sauce)
- 2 cups Milk (whole or 2 percent) Whole milk makes it creamier
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar gives the best flavor)
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese (optional) Adds a stretchy melty vibe
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder Or use a little minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Mustard (Dijon is recommended) Boosts cheese flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta in salted water until barely done, then drain and set aside.
- For fresh broccoli, toss it into the pasta water for the last 2 minutes of boiling. For frozen, microwave or simmer until bright green and tender.
Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and stir for about 1 minute.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking. Cook until it thickens.
- Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard to season. Taste and adjust if necessary.
- Lower the heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
Combine and Serve
- Add the pasta, broccoli, and cooked chicken to the cheese sauce and stir until everything is coated.
- Optionally, transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until hot and melty.
Notes
Do not overcook the pasta; it should be slightly firm. Warming the milk helps the sauce to come together smoother. Grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash more milk.