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
- 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
-
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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