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Healthy Macaroni with Chicken


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Healthy Macaroni with Chicken is a lighter take on the classic macaroni and cheese. This dish is packed with lean chicken, whole-grain macaroni, and a creamy, yet healthy sauce. It’s a satisfying and nutritious meal that’s perfect for the whole family!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 8 oz whole-grain macaroni (or gluten-free macaroni if needed)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk)
  • 1 tablespoon whole-wheat flour (or gluten-free flour for a GF option)
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

 

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken:
    Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

  2. Cook the Pasta:
    While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole-grain macaroni according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.

  3. Make the Sauce:
    In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds. Sprinkle the whole-wheat flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to form a paste.

  4. Add Liquids:
    Slowly pour in the chicken broth and almond milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.

  5. Finish the Sauce:
    Stir in the Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and additional dried oregano to taste.

  6. Combine:
    Add the cooked chicken and macaroni to the skillet, stirring gently to coat everything with the sauce. Heat everything together for 2-3 minutes until warm.

  7. Serve:
    Serve the Healthy Macaroni with Chicken in bowls, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. You can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

Notes

  • You can add vegetables like spinach, peas, or broccoli to this dish to make it even more nutritious.
  • For an extra creamy texture, you can add a little bit more Greek yogurt or a tablespoon of light cream cheese.

 

  • If you prefer a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free milk and skip the Parmesan, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg