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–+ servings

Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Jenny
Chicken and broccoli mac and cheese is an easy weeknight meal loaded with sharp cheddar cheese, juicy chicken and tender broccoli coated in a super creamy cheese sauce.
5 from 3 votes
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Entrée
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 572 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ pound cavatappi pasta
  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 teaspoon canola oil
  • 1 chicken breast
  • ¼ cup butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water and cook the pasta. When the pasta is 3 minutes away from al dente, add in the broccoli and cook until the broccoli is tender crisp and the pasta is al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • While the water is boiling and pasta is cooking, season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste. In a large skillet on medium heat, add oil and cook the chicken for 6-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken.
  • Set the chicken aside and in the same pan on medium low heat, melt the butter then add in the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
  • Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  • Slowly whisk in the milk ¼ cup at a time, whisking thoroughly until incorporated between each addition. At first, it will be a thick paste but as you add more milk, the mixture will be smooth with no clumps.
  • Add in dijon mustard, cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Whisk until the cheese is fully melted. Turn off the heat.
  • Slice the chicken into bite sized pieces.
  • Toss in the chicken, pasta, and broccoli into the cheese sauce and mix until well combined.

Nutrition Estimate

Calories: 572kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 32gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 19gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 112mgSodium: 718mgPotassium: 547mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1243IUVitamin C: 42mgCalcium: 537mgIron: 2mg
Keyword broccoli, cheddar, cheese, chicken, pasta
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