Craving comfort food that doesn’t leave you feeling weighed down? This Healthy Macaroni with Chicken is every bit as creamy, cheesy, and satisfying as the classic you know and love, but with some delicious, nutritious twists that make it worthy of your regular dinner rotation. Juicy bites of chicken, whole wheat pasta, baby spinach, and oozy cheddar cheese meld into a one-pan wonder that’ll have the whole family asking for seconds—even the picky eaters! You’ll taste real flavor and feel great about what’s on your plate.

Healthy Macaroni with Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing better than a recipe that relies on simple, staple ingredients—as long as each one really brings something to the party! Together, these ingredients create the perfect blend of comfort, nutrition, and irresistible creaminess. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need and why it helps make the Healthy Macaroni with Chicken so special:

8 oz whole wheat elbow macaroni: Delivers that classic mac and cheese texture, plus fiber and nuttiness!
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and brings out the flavor in the chicken and veggies.
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast: Lean, protein-packed, and perfect for hearty bites.
1 small onion (diced): Sweet and savory foundation for amazing depth of flavor.
2 garlic cloves (minced): Give everything a punchy aroma and a little zip.
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps things juicy and amplifies savory goodness without extra salt.
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat milk): Lightens up the sauce while keeping it perfectly creamy.
1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese: Melty, tangy, irresistible cheesiness with less fat.
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt: Secret weapon for rich, velvety sauce—no one will guess there’s yogurt in there!
1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds subtle sweetness and a pop of color.
1/2 teaspoon dried basil: An herby lift that freshens up every bite.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Just enough to bring all the flavors together.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: For a gentle, peppery kick.
2 cups baby spinach (optional): Sneak in a serving of greens, wilted perfectly into the cheesy mix.
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: That final bright, fresh touch on top!

How to Make Healthy Macaroni with Chicken

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

First things first! Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your whole wheat elbow macaroni according to the package directions. You’re aiming for pasta that’s perfectly al dente, so it holds its shape when mixed into the creamy sauce. Once the pasta is ready, drain it well and set it aside—don’t worry if it cools a bit, it’ll heat up again later with the chicken and sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Grab your largest skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and generously sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried basil. Let the chicken cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown on the outside and completely cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside while you start working on that mouthwatering sauce.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

If your pan needs a little extra oil, splash some in and then add the diced onion. Sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes, until the onion is soft and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook just a minute longer—your kitchen will start smelling amazing right about now! This aromatic base pulls all the flavors together in the Healthy Macaroni with Chicken.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring everything together to loosen up any browned bits from the skillet (that’s pure flavor!). Bring this to a gentle simmer. Once bubbling, sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it’s irresistibly melted and gooey. Lower the heat and stir in the Greek yogurt to make the sauce even creamier and tangier—this little addition keeps the dish lighter but super satisfying.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Toss the cooked macaroni and the browned chicken right into your skillet of creamy sauce. Stir everything together so every noodle and chunk of chicken gets perfectly coated. If you’re using baby spinach, fold it in now and let it wilt gently for a minute or two. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce clings beautifully to every bite.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Spoon the Healthy Macaroni with Chicken into bowls and scatter chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. The steam rising up will carry the scent of cheesy sauce and herby chicken to everyone around the table—you’ll definitely want to dig in while it’s piping hot!

How to Serve Healthy Macaroni with Chicken

Garnishes

Nothing completes a big bowl of Healthy Macaroni with Chicken like a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped basil on top. You could also add a dusting of extra paprika, a few extra shreds of cheddar, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Garnishes aren’t just pretty—they lift the flavors and make every serving feel a little special.

Side Dishes

This dish is ultra-comforting all on its own, but it also pairs perfectly with simple sides like a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted carrots. Looking for something even lighter? Sliced cucumbers or cherry tomatoes offer a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, creamy pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests or family? Serve individual portions of Healthy Macaroni with Chicken in mini cast-iron skillets, ramekins, or colorful bowls. Or, bake the entire skillet with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and basil on top for a crisp finish. Making a buffet? Let everyone top their own bowl with fresh herbs, more cheese, or hot sauce for the ultimate personalized experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Healthy Macaroni with Chicken stores beautifully! Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days, and the flavors only get better as they meld together overnight. Just be sure to store any garnishes separately to keep them fresh and vibrant.

Freezing

If you’d like to save some for later, this dish freezes surprisingly well. Portion cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers, labeling with the date. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge; the sauce might look a bit separated but will come right back together when reheated with a splash of broth or milk.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftover Healthy Macaroni with Chicken on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little milk or broth to loosen up the sauce. For single servings, the microwave works too—cover and heat on medium power, stirring halfway through. Avoid high heat, which can make the sauce grainy. Don’t forget to top with fresh parsley when serving!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Whole wheat elbows are classic and nutritious, but feel free to swap in whole wheat penne, rotini, or even a gluten-free pasta if you’d like. Just follow the cooking time on the package to keep everything perfectly al dente.

Is there a vegetarian version of Healthy Macaroni with Chicken?

You can definitely adapt it! Skip the chicken and use canned chickpeas, sautéed mushrooms, or even cubed tofu. If you’re using veggie broth instead of chicken broth, you’ll still have a flavorful and filling meal.

Does this dish work with other greens besides spinach?

Yes! Baby kale, chopped broccoli florets, or even frozen peas all make great additions. Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking so they stay bright and fresh.

Can I make Healthy Macaroni with Chicken dairy free?

Of course. Use plant-based cheese and non-dairy yogurt along with your almond milk, and you’re good to go. The texture stays creamy, and you might even discover a new favorite combo!

What’s the best way to meal prep this recipe?

You can cook the chicken and pasta the day before, storing both separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, whip up the sauce and combine everything for a super quick and tasty weeknight meal.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about a bowl of cheesy pasta, and with this Healthy Macaroni with Chicken, you get all that comfort along with a healthy boost! I can’t wait for you to try this recipe—let me know how you like it, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new weeknight favorite.

Healthy Macaroni with Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in a healthier version of a classic comfort dish with this recipe for Healthy Macaroni with Chicken. Creamy, satisfying, and packed with protein, this dish is perfect for a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Macaroni:

8 oz whole wheat elbow macaroni

For the Chicken:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)

For the Sauce:

1 small onion (diced)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat milk)
1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional:

2 cups baby spinach (optional)
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Macaroni: Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken, season, and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic. Add chicken broth and milk, bring to a simmer, and stir in the cheese until melted. Mix in the Greek yogurt until smooth.
Combine and Serve: Add the cooked macaroni and chicken back to the pan. Stir well, fold in spinach if using, and cook briefly. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.