CHICKEN MAC & CHEESE

Chicken Mac & Cheese image

In my family, a stick-to-your-ribs supper has protein, pasta and a good cheese like cheddar. This loaded mac works like a charm at potlucks. -Cynthia Huff, Flora, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 12 servings (1 cup each).

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 cups 2% milk
1 cup chicken broth
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Steps:

Cook macaroni according to package directions, adding broccoli during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Drain., Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, onion, salt and pepper; cook and stir 6-8 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Remove from pan., In same pan, melt butter. Stir in flour, paprika and cayenne until smooth; gradually whisk in milk and broth. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 2-3 minutes or until thickened. Stir in cheese and mustard until cheese is melted., Add macaroni mixture and chicken to sauce. Heat through, stirring to combine.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 374 calories, Fat 17g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 63mg cholesterol, Sodium 467mg sodium, Carbohydrate 34g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 22g protein.