Print

Chicken and Mushroom Macaroni Cheese Bake

Chicken and Mushroom Macaroni Cheese Bake
Print Recipe

Chicken and Mushroom Macaroni Cheese Bake is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and creamy cheddar cheese sauce combined with macaroni pasta, baked to golden perfection with a crispy breadcrumb topping. Quick and easy to prepare, this versatile recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and can be adapted for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 250g macaroni pasta

Protein

  • 300g chicken breast, diced

Vegetables

  • 150g mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy & Sauce

  • 40g butter
  • 40g plain flour
  • 600ml milk
  • 200g sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Topping

  • 50g fresh breadcrumbs
  • Extra grated cheddar cheese for topping (about 50g)

Seasoning

  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside. Slice the mushrooms and dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
  2. Cook Chicken and Mushrooms: In a large frying pan, sauté the chicken pieces in a little oil until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, cook the mushrooms until they release their liquid and begin to brown nicely.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring continuously until the sauce is thick and creamy. Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
  4. Combine and Assemble: Mix the cooked macaroni, sautéed chicken, and mushrooms into the cheese sauce, tossing everything to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer this mixture into a greased baking dish.
  5. Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle breadcrumbs and extra grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden brown, bubbling, and crunchy.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar for a richer, tangier cheese sauce.
  • Cook macaroni slightly under al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven.
  • Sauté mushrooms thoroughly to ensure they are flavorful and not watery.
  • Allow the bake to rest for 5 minutes before serving to set well.
  • Get creative with toppings: try mixing in crushed crackers or herbs with breadcrumbs for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken macaroni cheese, mushroom bake, comfort food, creamy pasta bake, easy dinner, family-friendly meal, cheesy chicken bake

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/chicken-and-mushroom-macaroni-cheese-bake/