Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese (Print Format)
Creamy macaroni with chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and three cheeses for a quick Italian-inspired meal.
# Ingredients:
→ Chicken
01 -
2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
02 -
2 tbsp olive oil
03 -
½ tsp salt
04 -
½ tsp ground black pepper
05 -
½ tsp onion powder
06 -
½ tsp paprika
07 -
½ tsp dried parsley
→ Mac and Cheese
08 -
2 tbsp unsalted butter
09 -
1 medium yellow onion, diced
10 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
11 -
8 ounces jarred sun-dried tomatoes, cut into thin strips
12 -
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
13 -
2½ cups chicken broth
14 -
3¾ cups half and half
15 -
2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
16 -
16 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
17 -
4 cups baby spinach leaves
18 -
¾ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
19 -
¾ cup mozzarella cheese, grated
20 -
¾ cup cheddar cheese, grated
21 -
2 tbsp fresh Italian parsley, chopped
# Steps:
01 -
Using half of the salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and dried parsley, season one side of the chicken. Turn over and use the remaining spices to season the other side. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook each side for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the skillet, cover with foil, and rest for 5 minutes. Slice into ¼ inch strips and recover.
02 -
In the same skillet add butter and melt. Then, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent.
03 -
Add sliced sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 -
Add all-purpose flour to the skillet and mix until completely incorporated. Cook for 1 minute, then add chicken broth, half and half, and Italian seasoning. Stir until well combined and bring to a low simmer.
05 -
Add uncooked elbow macaroni, stirring occasionally, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
06 -
Add baby spinach leaves and cook until wilted and reduced by about two-thirds, stirring constantly.
07 -
Reduce heat to low and add Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and evenly incorporated.
08 -
Add cooked and sliced chicken to the pasta and stir to combine. Continue cooking until the chicken is reheated. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top and serve immediately.
# Tips:
01 -
Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to maintain the dish's texture.