The Perfect Healthy Macaroni With Chicken Recipe for Busy Nights

Crafting a delightful healthy macaroni with chicken dish brings pure comfort to your dinner table.

Nutritious ingredients blend seamlessly in this simple yet satisfying meal.

Home cooks can easily master this recipe with minimal preparation time.

Lean proteins and whole grain pasta combine to create a balanced plate.

Fresh herbs and spices add vibrant flavors that make every bite exciting.

Mediterranean-inspired techniques ensure the chicken remains juicy and tender.

You’ll love how quickly this wholesome meal comes together with just a few smart ingredients.

Dive into this delicious recipe that promises both nutrition and incredible taste.

Healthy Macaroni with Chicken That Nourishes and Satisfies

• Boost Nutrition Fast: Packed with lean protein from chicken and wholesome carbs, this recipe delivers a balanced meal that supports your health goals without sacrificing flavor.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner cooks can create a delicious dinner that feels like a restaurant-quality experience.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily swap ingredients like different cheeses or herbs to match your taste preferences, making this recipe a versatile canvas for culinary creativity.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and quick cleanup mean you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a satisfying meal with family or friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Healthy Macaroni with Chicken

• Shredded Chicken: A lean protein source that adds substance and nutrition to the dish.
• Dill: A fresh herb that provides a light, aromatic flavor to complement the chicken.

• Macaroni: A classic pasta that serves as the hearty foundation of this healthy meal.
• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy cooking oil that helps sauté ingredients and add richness.

• Chopped Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Create a rich, tangy base that adds depth and moisture to the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a creamy, melty texture that binds the sauce together.
• Minced Garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the recipe.
• Water: Helps cook the macaroni and create the perfect sauce consistency.

Easy Instructions for Healthy Macaroni with Chicken

Step 1: Sizzle and Sear Chicken

Warm a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the shredded chicken, minced garlic, and chopped tomatoes.

Dance the ingredients around the pan, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and break down into a luscious sauce.

Step 2: Blend Flavor Makers

• Tomato paste
• Water
• Salt
• Dill

Pour in tomato paste and water, sprinkle salt, then gently stir in macaroni and dill.

Ensure the pasta is lightly coated with sauce, not swimming.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Allow the macaroni to cook, transforming into tender pasta.

Follow package timing for precise doneness, watching the liquid reduce and pasta absorb those tangy flavors.

Step 4: Melt in Cheesy Goodness

Introduce mozzarella to the skillet, stirring until it melts completely.

Watch the sauce transform into a creamy, dreamy coating that hugs each pasta curve.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the steaming macaroni to serving dishes.

Sprinkle additional fresh dill on top for a burst of herbal brightness. Serve hot and enjoy the wholesome meal.

Tips to Make Your Healthy Macaroni Stand Out

• Add extra shredded chicken or swap with lean turkey for a protein-packed meal that keeps you full longer.
• Adjust water quantity slightly to achieve your preferred sauce thickness, preventing dry or overly runny texture.
• Remove pan from heat when adding mozzarella to prevent cheese from becoming grainy or separating.
• Replace macaroni with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, vegetable-based alternative.
• Experiment with other fresh herbs like basil or parsley to add depth and brightness to the dish's flavor profile.

Variations That Change Up the Healthy Macaroni Dish

• Veggie Power Pasta: Replace chicken with a mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach for a vegetarian version packed with nutrients and color.
• Mediterranean Magic: Add kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and oregano to transform the dish with Greek-inspired flavors.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Incorporate jalapeños, black beans, and swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired meal.
• Protein Boost Bowl: Mix in cooked quinoa and top with grilled shrimp or tofu for an extra protein-rich alternative that keeps you satisfied longer.

Pairing Ideas to Complement Healthy Macaroni and Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio perfectly complements the tangy tomato sauce and cuts through the cheese's richness, enhancing the dish's fresh herb notes.
• Complement with Garden Salad: Toss a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's creamy texture and add a refreshing crunch that elevates the entire meal.
• Match with Herbal Iced Tea: Brew a cool mint or basil-infused iced tea that mirrors the dill's brightness and provides a clean, palate-cleansing accompaniment to the hearty chicken macaroni.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Toast crusty sourdough bread with garlic butter to soak up the extra tomato sauce, adding a delightful textural contrast and complementary flavor profile.

Storing Healthy Macaroni for Freshness and Flavor

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.

Transfer cooled macaroni to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Seal completely, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons water to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute macaroni with other short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells. Just ensure they cook in a similar time frame.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free macaroni and verify that all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, chickpeas, or white beans. The cooking method remains the same.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce during the sautéing stage to increase heat and flavor.

Healthy Macaroni With Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Comfort meets nutrition in this scrumptious Macaroni with Chicken recipe, blending lean protein and whole grains into a delightful meal. Quick and satisfying, this dish promises a wholesome experience you can enjoy without guilt.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups (360 ml) macaroni
• 1.5 cups (360 ml) cooked chicken, shredded
• 3 tomatoes, chopped
• 0.5 cups (120 ml) mozzarella, shredded

Aromatics and Herbs:

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 sprigs fresh dill, chopped

Seasoning and Oil:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) tomato paste
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling base for the aromatic ingredients.
2. Introduce chopped tomatoes, shredded chicken, and minced garlic to the pan, allowing them to meld and develop rich flavors for 3-4 minutes.
3. Pour in water and tomato paste, seasoning with a delicate sprinkle of salt to enhance the overall taste profile.
4. Gently incorporate macaroni and dill into the sauce, ensuring the pasta is lightly coated but not completely submerged.
5. Reduce heat and simmer, covering the skillet, until the macaroni reaches perfect tenderness according to package guidelines (approximately 8-10 minutes).
6. Sprinkle mozzarella over the dish, letting it gracefully melt and transform the sauce into a creamy, luxurious coating.
7. Remove from heat and let the residual warmth complete the cheese melting process.
8. Optional: Garnish with additional fresh dill for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.
9. Serve immediately while the dish maintains its optimal temperature and creamy consistency.

Notes

• Choose whole wheat or gluten-free macaroni to boost nutritional value and accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Remove chicken skin to reduce fat content and create a leaner protein option for health-conscious eaters.
• Keep extra fresh herbs like parsley or basil on hand to enhance flavor complexity and provide additional garnishing options.
• Use low-fat mozzarella or nutritional yeast for a lighter cheese alternative that maintains creamy texture while reducing calories.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 435 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg