Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese (One Pot, Stove Top)
Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese is a one-pot dinner made on the stove top in less than 30 minutes! No extra pots or pans to wash up, and minimal work with simple ingredients! It will be hard to go back to regular Mac and Cheese after this!
Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese is a one-pot dinner made on the stove top in less than 30 minutes! No extra pots or pans to wash up, and minimal work with simple ingredients! It will be hard to go back to regular Mac and Cheese after this!
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1 small yellow onion (chopped)
- 3 cups baby spinach leaves
- salt and pepper (to season)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
- 2 large skinless boneless chicken breasts pounded to 1-in
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika ((sweet or smokey))
- 1 tablespoon oil (divided (use olive or canola oil))
- 6 cloves garlic (finely diced)
- 1/3 cup white wine (optional (use chicken broth instead i
- 9 oz (250g) jarred sun dried tomato strips in oil ((re
- 3 cups milk or light cream*
- 2 teaspoons dried italian herbs
- 10 ounces (300g) elbow macaroni (uncooked (3 cups!))
- 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (cheddar or gruyere)
- Carbohydrate 6.81761249471883 g
- Cholesterol 316.83437500436 mg
- Fat 74.4748396032379 g
- Fiber 0.342666673660278 g
- Protein 76.5318729166839 g
- Saturated Fat 21.2272073645171 g
- Serving Size 1 1 people (539g)
- Sodium 325.500555567237 mg
- Sugar 6.47494582105856 g
- Trans Fat 5.9572640287692 g
- Calories 1020 calories
Step-by-step
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, dried parsley and 2 teaspoons of the oil.
- Heat the remaining oil in a large (30cm or 12-inch) pot or pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear on both sides until golden brown, cooked through and no longer pink in the middle. Transfer chicken to a warm plate, tent with foil and set aside.
- To the same pan, add the butter and fry the onion and garlic until the onion becomes transparent, stirring occasionally (about 2 minutes).
- Pour in the white wine and allow to simmer for 5 minutes, or until beginning to reduce down.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of the sun-dried tomato oil from the jar and cook for 1-2 minutes to release as much flavour as possible.
- Stir the flour into the pot and allow to cook for a further minute. Then, add the broth, milks (or cream if using), herbs, salt and pepper, and bring to a very low simmer (lower the heat if you need to).
- Add the dry macaroni and stir occasionally as it comes to a simmer. Reduce heat down to medium low and stir regularly while it cooks (for about 9-10 minutes), or until the sauce thickens and the macaroni is just cooked (al dente: tender but still firm).
- Turn off heat and add the spinach. Cover pot and allow the spinach to wilt through the sauce.
- Take the pot off the stove and stir all of the cheese in quickly. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add more milk (or cream) in 1/4 cup increments. Keep in mind though, the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Slice the chicken into strips and stir through the pasta (pour in any juices left from the chicken).
- Sprinkle with parsley, and stir through.
- Serve immediately!
My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese
As a busy mom of two, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy meal can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, soccer practice, and the never-ending cycle of laundry, whipping up something from scratch often seems impossible. But then I discovered this Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe, and my weeknight dinners were transformed. It's not just quick and easy; it's incredibly flavorful and satisfying, leaving everyone happy and full (which is always a win in my book!).
What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity. It's a one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup – a huge bonus after a long day! No more juggling multiple pans and battling sticky messes. And the ingredients? Mostly pantry staples I already have on hand. I love that I can throw this together even on those crazy nights when I’m running on fumes. The creamy, cheesy sauce perfectly coats the perfectly cooked macaroni, and the tender chicken adds a delightful protein boost. The sun-dried tomatoes bring a burst of bright, tangy flavor that elevates the dish beyond your average mac and cheese. It’s a perfect blend of comfort food and sophisticated taste.
The Secret to Success: The key to this recipe is the careful balance of flavors. The subtle sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes complements the savory chicken and the rich, creamy sauce. I always use good quality Parmesan cheese for the best taste. A pinch of fresh parsley at the end adds a lovely freshness, a final flourish to complete the dish. The process is intuitive; even my teenage daughter can follow it (and that’s saying something!).
Beyond Weeknights: This dish isn't just a weeknight savior; it's versatile enough for casual gatherings and potlucks. I've even served it at a few small dinner parties, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. It's impressive without being overly complicated. You can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger group. It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping. The flavors actually deepen upon reheating, so leftovers are just as delicious (if not more so!).
Serving Suggestions: I usually serve it as is, but a side salad with a simple vinaigrette or some crusty bread would be a lovely addition. For a heartier meal, you could add some steamed broccoli or green beans. And let's not forget the wine! A crisp white wine would be a perfect pairing.
This Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese has become a staple in our home. It's a recipe that’s both delicious and manageable, even amidst the chaos of family life. It’s a testament to the fact that amazing food doesn’t always require hours in the kitchen. Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most satisfying.
Making it Your Own: One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses – Gruyère or Fontina would be amazing substitutions. If you’re not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, you could omit them or swap them with another dried tomato variety. You can also add other vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, to make it even more colorful and nutritious.
Give this recipe a try and see for yourself! It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal. You won't regret it!
