Description
Chicken Caprese Macaroni and Cheese blends Italian-American comfort with fresh Mediterranean flavors. Juicy chicken, melted mozzarella, and ripe tomatoes create a creamy pasta experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni and Cheese Ingredients:
Protein:
- 3 chicken breasts, thin cut or halved
Cheese:
- 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
Pasta and Base:
- 3 cups dried elbow macaroni
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Garnish:
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Balsamic glaze (optional topping)
Instructions
- Warm olive oil (29.5 milliliters or ) in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating an even heat distribution.
- Season chicken breasts with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried basil, ensuring thorough coverage of the meat’s surface.
- Sear chicken breasts for approximately 5-6 minutes on each side, developing a golden-brown exterior while maintaining internal juiciness.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board, allowing residual heat to stabilize the meat’s internal temperature.
- Reduce skillet heat and introduce finely chopped garlic, sautéing for 25-30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour chicken broth (240 milliliters or ) into the skillet, scraping any caramelized bits from the pan’s bottom.
- Whisk cornstarch into evaporated milk (354 milliliters or 12 fluid ounces), creating a smooth, lump-free liquid mixture.
- Pour milk mixture into the skillet, stirring continuously to prevent scorching and ensure even thickening.
- Add macaroni noodles, stirring gently to prevent sticking, and simmer for 9-11 minutes until pasta reaches al dente consistency.
- Incorporate shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, stirring until completely melted and creating a creamy sauce.
- Fold in diced tomatoes and freshly chopped basil, distributing ingredients evenly throughout the dish.
- Slice chicken breasts into thin, diagonal strips and reintroduce to the skillet, gently mixing to combine.
- Plate the macaroni and cheese, optionally drizzling with balsamic glaze for an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- Quick and Easy One-Pan Meal: Combines the comfort of mac and cheese with the fresh flavors of Caprese, creating a delightful twist on classic comfort food.
- Smart Cooking Technique: Uses the same pan for chicken, garlic, and sauce, maximizing flavor and minimizing cleanup.
- Protein-Packed Dinner: Chicken adds substantial protein, making this dish satisfying and nutritionally balanced.
- Versatile Ingredient Swaps: Can easily substitute chicken with turkey or use gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
- Fresh Flavor Boosters: Fresh basil and tomatoes elevate the traditional mac and cheese, adding brightness and depth.
- Elegant Finishing Touch: Optional balsamic glaze drizzle transforms this homestyle dish into a restaurant-worthy presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 456 cal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg