Healthy Macaroni with Chicken

Looking for a delicious, feel-good meal that’s both healthy and satisfying? This Healthy Macaroni with Chicken dish has you covered! Picture tender chicken pieces paired with perfectly cooked macaroni, all wrapped in a light yet creamy sauce. It’s comforting and hearty, but without the heaviness. Plus, it’s packed with protein and veggies, so it’s the kind of meal you can feel good about.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this dish comes together quickly and can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or even as a tasty leftover snack. Trust me, you’ll love this guilt-free comfort food that doesn’t skimp on flavor!

Why You’ll Love Healthy Macaroni with Chicken

• Light and Wholesome: The sauce is made with Greek yogurt and a splash of chicken broth, so it’s creamy but light. You’ll get all the comfort of traditional macaroni and cheese, but without the heaviness!
• Packed with Protein: With chicken breast and a combination of veggies, you’re getting a solid dose of protein and nutrients in every bite.
• Kid-Friendly: This is one of those dishes that both adults and kids can get behind. It’s cheesy, creamy, and comforting, with the added bonus of healthy ingredients.
• Customizable: You can easily swap out veggies or adjust the seasonings to suit your tastes. Love mushrooms? Throw them in! Want a little extra spice? Add some red pepper flakes!

Ingredients for Healthy Macaroni with Chicken

For the Macaroni:

• Whole Wheat Macaroni: A healthier twist on regular macaroni. Whole wheat adds fiber and texture, making it a more filling option.
• Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide lean protein. You can also use leftover cooked chicken if you have it on hand.
• Olive Oil: A little olive oil for sautéing the chicken and veggies.
• Vegetables: We’ve got spinach, onions, and garlic to pack in some extra nutrition and flavor.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: This adds a touch of richness to the sauce without being too heavy.
• Greek Yogurt: This is the star of the show for creating a creamy, healthy sauce without all the extra calories from cream or butter.
• Parmesan Cheese: A little grated parmesan adds a nice cheesy depth to the sauce. It’s optional but highly recommended!

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are listed in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a pot of salted water and cook your whole wheat macaroni according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them in the skillet for about 4-5 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest for a few minutes before cutting it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Cook the Veggies

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, and sauté onions and garlic until softened, about 3 minutes. Then, add the spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until it wilts down.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Now, pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to come together. Next, stir in the Greek yogurt and grated parmesan cheese. Stir constantly until everything is creamy and well-combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked macaroni and chicken pieces to the skillet, and toss everything together until the macaroni is coated in the creamy sauce. If you like it a little saucier, you can add a splash more chicken broth or even a tablespoon of milk.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Healthy Macaroni with Chicken hot, garnished with a little extra parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if you like. This dish is great on its own or with a side of crisp veggies or a fresh salad.

How to Serve Healthy Macaroni with Chicken

• On Its Own: This dish is hearty and filling enough to stand alone as a complete meal.
• With a Side Salad: A light, crisp salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the creamy macaroni.
• With Roasted Veggies: Serve alongside roasted veggies like carrots, zucchini, or broccoli to get even more nutrients in your meal.

Additional Tips

• Make It Spicy: If you love a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra flavor.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add in more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas. The more veggies, the better!
• Leftover Chicken: This is a great dish for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have from earlier meals.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Swap out the Greek yogurt and parmesan for dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt and nutritional yeast.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 bowl (Out of 4)

• Calories: 380
• Total Fat: 12g (18% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 3g (15% DV)
• Cholesterol: 70mg (23% DV)
• Sodium: 410mg (17% DV)
• Total Carbohydrates: 34g (11% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 6g (24% DV)
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 38g (76% DV)

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient substitutions or portion sizes.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use gluten-free pasta?

A1: Yes, absolutely! You can use gluten-free pasta in place of whole wheat macaroni for a gluten-free version of this dish.

Q2: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

A2: Yes! If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken, you can skip the sautéing step and simply add it to the sauce at the end.

Q3: Can I add more veggies?

A3: Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or even broccoli would be great additions. Just sauté them along with the onions and garlic.

Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A4: You can! Simply prepare the entire dish, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to bring back the creaminess.

Q5: Is this recipe low-carb?

A5: This recipe isn’t strictly low-carb, but if you’re watching your carbs, you could swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Q6: Can I freeze this dish?

A6: While the pasta may lose its texture when frozen, you can freeze the sauce for up to 2 months. Just cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve.

Q7: Can I use regular pasta?

A7: Yes, you can use regular pasta if you don’t want to use whole wheat. The recipe will still be delicious!

Q8: Can I make this dish dairy-free?

A8: Yes! To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or another plant-based yogurt, and use nutritional yeast in place of parmesan.

Q9: Can I add more cheese?

A9: Absolutely! You can add more parmesan, or try adding a little shredded mozzarella for extra gooey cheesiness.

Q10: How can I make this spicier?

A10: You can add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.

Conclusion

Healthy Macaroni with Chicken is the perfect way to enjoy a classic comfort food with a nutritious twist. Packed with protein, fiber, and lots of flavor, this dish is sure to satisfy your hunger without weighing you down. It’s an easy, delicious, and wholesome meal that you can whip up in no time, and it’s versatile enough to suit any dietary preference. Give it a try—you’re going to love it!

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