Macaroni and Cheese with Chicken

Total Time Prep: 15 min. Bake: 30 min.
Yield 8 servings
Contest Winner
Test Kitchen Approved
Prep once and feed the family twice with this comforting, hearty macaroni and cheese with chicken. Pro tip: Double the recipe and freeze half for another time.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup 2% milk
  • 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
  • 3/4 cup ranch salad dressing
  • 1 cup coarsely chopped cooked chicken
  • TOPPING:
  • 1/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 10 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a 6-qt. stockpot, cook macaroni according to package directions for al dente; drain and return to pot.
  2. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth; gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, 1-2 minutes. Stir in cheeses until blended. Stir in dressing.
  3. Add chicken and sauce to macaroni, tossing to combine. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish.
  4. Toss bread crumbs with melted butter; sprinkle over macaroni. Top with bacon. Bake, uncovered, 30-35 minutes or until topping is golden brown. Sprinkle with parsley.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 586 calories, 37g fat (15g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 889mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.

Prep once and feed the family twice when you double this chicken mac and cheese and freeze half of it. I created it for the people I love most, using ingredients they love most. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Recipe Creator

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