Indulge in the Ultimate Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Macaroni Cheese Bake
Prepare to elevate your comfort food game with this incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Macaroni Cheese Bake. This recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional macaroni and cheese, infusing it with succulent pieces of tender chicken thigh and earthy mushrooms, all enveloped in a rich, creamy, and wonderfully cheesy Parmesan sauce. What’s even better? It’s crafted to be a lower-fat option without compromising on that irresistible, indulgent flavor you crave.
Why This Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Macaroni Cheese Bake is a Must-Try
Who can resist the allure of a perfectly baked macaroni and cheese? Now, imagine that classic comfort taken to new heights. This dish is designed for those who appreciate the creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese but are also looking for a complete meal. By adding hearty chicken and nutritious mushrooms, along with a medley of other vegetables, it transforms from a side dish into a main course that’s both satisfying and surprisingly well-balanced. The magic truly happens when all these elements come together in a velvety Parmesan cheese sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
A Family Favorite with Hidden Goodness
For many families, getting children to eat their vegetables can be a daily challenge. This Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Macaroni Cheese Bake provides a brilliant solution. We’ve found that wrapping a colorful array of vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell pepper in a luscious, cheesy sauce, and pairing them with fun macaroni shapes, is the secret to success. Kids absolutely adore the creamy texture and cheesy taste, often unaware of the healthy goodness tucked inside. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a clever way to ensure your loved ones get their nutrients while enjoying every bite.
The sauce in this bake is simply divine. Its rich, savory profile, enhanced by the distinct flavor of Parmesan, coats every piece of pasta, chicken, and vegetable, creating an incredibly harmonious dish. Your family will sing your praises, guests will be thoroughly impressed, and you’ll feel that beaming pride of a true home chef. The way the creamy sauce embraces the soft, tender vegetables and the perfectly cooked chicken pieces, all intertwined with the satisfying pasta, is pure culinary bliss. It’s truly a dish where carbohydrates meet their cheesy soulmate.
Crafting the Perfect Balance: Flavors and Textures
What makes this particular mac and cheese bake stand out is its thoughtful combination of ingredients and textures. We start with macaroni, a classic choice for its ability to hold creamy sauces in its hollows, ensuring a burst of flavor with every spoonful. The boneless, skinless chicken thigh fillets are cubed and browned, providing tender, juicy protein that contrasts beautifully with the slight chew of the pasta. Mushrooms add an earthy depth and umami richness that complements the chicken and cheese wonderfully.
Then come the vegetables: crisp broccoli florets, sweet carrots, and vibrant bell peppers. These not only add color and essential nutrients but also a refreshing crunch that breaks up the creaminess. Minced garlic infuses the entire dish with an aromatic base, while light cooking cream ensures a luxurious, velvety sauce that’s rich without being overly heavy – a fantastic “low-fat twist” that allows you to enjoy more without the guilt. The final sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top bakes to a golden, bubbly perfection, adding a savory crust that’s irresistible.
Even if you’re still recovering from a delightful carb coma from a dish like Tortellini with Chunky Beef Sauce, this creamy chicken and mushroom macaroni cheese bake will ignite a new craving. It’s a different kind of comfort, deeply satisfying and utterly addictive. This recipe has been a staple in our family for so long that preparing it feels like second nature. It’s a time-honored tradition that consistently delivers smiles and full bellies.
The Irresistible Aroma of Home Cooking
Be warned: the moment this creamy Parmesan masterpiece starts baking in your oven, a truly captivating aroma will fill your home. The rich, savory scent of melted cheese, sautéed chicken, and tender vegetables will waft through every room, creating an anticipation that’s almost unbearable. You’ll find yourself drawn to the oven, perhaps opening it “just one more time” to check if it’s ready yet – a moment reminiscent of Homer Simpson’s insatiable cravings. This is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that tantalizes all your senses before the first bite even touches your lips.
Tips for the Best Macaroni Cheese Bake
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your macaroni al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Taste Test the Sauce: Before combining with pasta, always taste your creamy chicken and mushroom sauce. Adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat) to ensure it’s perfectly to your liking.
- Variations Welcome: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables. Spinach, peas, or even finely diced zucchini would be great additions. You can also swap chicken thighs for chicken breast if preferred.
- Cheese Matters: While Parmesan is key, a mix of cheeses like a sharp cheddar or Gruyere can add even more depth to the topping.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the bake up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake for a longer period (around 30-40 minutes) until heated through and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Macaroni Cheese Bake is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. A side of crusty bread is also perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce. For a more elaborate dinner, consider serving it alongside roasted asparagus or steamed green beans.
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Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Macaroni Cheese Bake
Ingredients
- 16 oz packet macaroni pasta
- 1 medium brown onion chopped
- 1 large carrot washed, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 large red capsicum/bell pepper washed, seeded and diced
- 1 lbs boneless skinless chicken thigh fillets, cubed
- 1 head of broccoli washed and cut into florets
- 7 oz sliced mushrooms washed
- 2 cloves garlic minced or finely chopped
- 2 cups light cooking cream I used 2x tubs Philadelphia Extra Light cream for cooking
- 2 tablespoons vegetable stock powder I use Vegeta
- 2 pinches salt to season
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese grated and divided
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 200℃ | 390℉.
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Cook pasta in a large saucepan of salted, boiling water, following packet directions until tender. Drain pasta in a colander and pour into a deep baking dish. Set aside.
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While pasta is boiling, pan fry in a large and deep frying pan/skillet, onion and carrot until onion is transparent. Add the chicken, broccoli and mushrooms, and cook until chicken has browned and broccoli has softened slightly. Stir through garlic, cooking cream, stock powder and salt (adjust to your tastes). When cream begins to simmer, remove from heat and stir through 1/2 cup parmesan cheese. Pour Creamy Chicken onto pasta and stir through really well to combine.
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Change oven setting to grill/broil on medium heat. Sprinkle pasta and chicken mixture with remaining cheese, and place into oven to brown on top.
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When golden on top, remove from oven and serve!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Macaroni Cheese Bake is more than just a recipe; it’s a heartwarming culinary journey that brings joy and comfort to your table. Whether you’re a devoted carb lover or simply seeking a satisfying, wholesome meal, this dish promises to deliver. Its creamy texture, savory flavors, and wholesome ingredients make it an instant classic that you’ll want to revisit again and again. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and prepare to create a memorable meal that will delight your senses and nourish your soul. Until our next recipe adventure, peace out, fellow food enthusiasts!