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Mac and cheese recipe with golden bubbly top and fresh herbs in white baking dish showing perfect baked comfort food

Best Mac and Cheese Recipe

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Aliana Recipes
This Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese delivers the perfect balance of tender shredded chicken wrapped in a silky, three-cheese sauce. Baked until golden and bubbling, it’s the kind of comforting, restaurant-quality dish that brings everyone to the table with real excitement. Rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Bake Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings:6 people
Course:Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine:American, Comfort Food, Southern
Calories:720kcal
Cost:$12.50
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz Cavatappi or elbow macaroni Cook just shy of al dente
  • 2 cups Cooked shredded chicken Rotisserie works perfectly
  • 4 tablespoon Unsalted butter For roux
  • ¼ cup All-purpose flour Thickens the sauce
  • 2 cups Whole milk Warm for smoother mixing
  • 1 cup Heavy cream Adds richness
  • 2 cups Sharp cheddar freshly grated Main flavor cheese
  • 1 cup Mozzarella shredded Adds stretchiness
  • 1 cup Gruyère or Monterey Jack Elevates flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Enhances cheese flavor
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon Onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon Paprika
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • ¾ cup Panko breadcrumbs Crispy top
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated Mix with panko
  • 1 tablespoon Butter melted For topping
  • optional Fresh parsley Garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot To boil pasta
  • 1 Large saucepan To prepare cheese sauce
  • 1 Whisk For a smooth sauce
  • 1 Baking dish (9×13) For baked finish
  • 1 Oven Bake at 375°F (190°C)

Method
 

  1. Boil pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Melt butter in a saucepan. Add flour and cook 1–2 minutes until a blond roux forms.
  3. Whisk in warm milk and cream slowly. Cook until thick and silky.
  4. Remove from heat. Add cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère. Stir until melted. Season as desired.
  5. Fold shredded chicken and pasta into the cheese sauce.
  6. Transfer to baking dish. Add panko-Parmesan topping. Bake 18–22 minutes until golden.
  7. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 260gCalories: 720kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 36gFat: 42gSaturated Fat: 22gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 960mgPotassium: 360mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 780IUCalcium: 480mgIron: 1.4mg

Notes

Imagine lifting a forkful of creamy pasta layered with juicy shredded chicken, wrapped in a velvety cheese sauce that melts into every curve of the noodles. The golden, bubbly crust delivers that first crisp bite before giving way to pure comfort. Always remove the sauce from heat before adding cheese for the smoothest texture.