Chicken Cheese Macaroni Bake — Easy Comfort Food

Looking for an easy Chicken Cheese Macaroni Bake recipe? This creamy, cheesy baked pasta is perfect for family dinners and sure to please everyone at the table. It’s simple to make but full of comforting, rich flavor that makes it a true crowd-pleaser.

My grown-up daughter made this for us over Easter, and I call it Death by Mac & Cheese because it’s that good!

What You Need

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken

• 3 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded

• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

• 3 oz cream cheese

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 1.5 cups chicken stock or broth

• 2.5 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (see note)

How to Make Chicken Cheese Macaroni Bake

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat.

3. Add minced garlic and simmer until fragrant.

4. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth.

5. Add the second cup of heavy cream and 1 cup chicken stock or broth.

6. Stir in 1 cup mozzarella cheese and let it melt.

7. Add 2 cups mild cheddar cheese, stirring to combine.

8. If the sauce is too thick, add more chicken stock or broth little by little until you get a thick, creamy sauce.

9. Fold in shredded cooked chicken and the cooked macaroni, mixing gently to coat everything in that cheesy goodness.

10. Transfer mixture to a baking dish. Top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1 cup mild cheddar to form a golden cheesy crust.

11. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

12. Let the dish cool for 10 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce.

Notes

• Be sure to cook the macaroni before mixing it in to avoid crunchy pasta.

• Substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor, if desired.

• Add a pinch of paprika or mustard powder for extra flavor.

• Leftovers reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day.

More Comfort Food Recipes

For more comforting pasta dishes, check out our Classic Baked Ziti Recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and hearty — perfect for cold nights or family gatherings.

• Easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have.

• Crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.

• Flexible — use leftover or rotisserie chicken to save time.

More Comfort Food Recipes

For more comforting pasta dishes, check out our loaded Baked Potato Soup 

Chicken and Cheese Macaroni Bake

Creamy, cheesy Chicken and Cheese Macaroni Bake with shredded chicken, cheddar, mozzarella, and a rich cheese sauce. Perfect for family dinners!

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Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 3 cups mild cheddar cheese shredded
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
• 3 oz cream cheese
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1.5 cups chicken stock or broth
• 2.5 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

Instructions

 

• Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and simmer until fragrant.
• Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth.
• Add second cup of heavy cream and 1 cup chicken stock/broth. Stir in 1 cup mozzarella cheese and let melt.
• Add 2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese and stir until smooth. Add extra stock/broth as needed to thin sauce.
• Fold in shredded chicken and cooked macaroni, coating well with sauce.
• Transfer mixture to a baking dish. Top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1 cup mild cheddar cheese.
• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
• Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

ook macaroni before mixing in to avoid crunchy pasta.

Substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth for lighter flavor if desired.