Healthy Macaroni with Chicken isn’t just a weeknight dinner — it’s a bowlful of comfort with a guilt-free twist. This recipe delivers those childhood mac-and-chicken vibes, but with a high-protein punch and plenty of colorful veggies. The creamy Greek yogurt sauce coats every bite, while whole wheat noodles make it hearty and satisfying. Honestly, it’s the kind of meal I look forward to after a long day, whether I’m feeding the family or just treating myself to a cozy night in.

Healthy Macaroni with Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about Healthy Macaroni with Chicken is its short and simple ingredient list — each item brings something to the party! You’ll see how easy it is to turn basic pantry staples into a seriously fresh, flavor-packed dinner.

Whole wheat or legume-based macaroni: Adds wholesome nuttiness and fiber while holding the creamy sauce beautifully.
Olive oil: Gives just the right amount of healthy fat and a velvety base for sautéing.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast: A lean, protein-rich star that soaks up every bit of seasoning.
Onion: Brings mild sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Garlic: For an irresistible aroma that says, “Home-cooked goodness is happening!”
Broccoli florets: Deliver color, crunch, and nutrients – plus they really love that cheesy, creamy sauce.
Bell pepper: Adds vibrant color and a subtle, sweet bite that wakes up the whole dish.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps things moist, flavorful, and light, so every ingredient shines.
Plain Greek yogurt: The secret to rich, creamy sauce without any heaviness.
Grated Parmesan cheese: For that salty, nutty goodness and authentic Italian flavor.
Italian seasoning: A quick pinch transforms the sauce with classic herbs everyone loves.
Salt and black pepper: These basics let you balance and brighten every bite.
Fresh parsley (optional): Just a sprinkle infuses the whole bowl with a fresh finish.

How to Make Healthy Macaroni with Chicken

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a gentle boil, then toss in your whole wheat or legume-based macaroni. While it cooks to that unmistakable “al dente” perfection, get excited — this step ensures every bite in Healthy Macaroni with Chicken has the perfect amount of bite. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside so it’s ready to soak up every drop of sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle in the olive oil. Add your chicken breast pieces and sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir occasionally until each piece develops a golden, savory crust and is cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Scoop the chicken out onto a plate — those tasty bits stuck to the pan will add even more flavor to the next steps!

Step 3: Cook the Veggies

Without cleaning the skillet (those little brown bits are flavor gold!), add your diced onion and minced garlic. Give them just a couple minutes to soften and become fragrant, then add the broccoli florets and bell peppers. Keep sautéing until the veggies are tender and brilliantly colorful, about 4–5 more minutes. The mix should already smell like dinner you want to eat right away.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and let everything come to a gentle simmer. Now, reduce the heat and stir in the Greek yogurt and grated Parmesan cheese. Watch as the sauce turns silky and creamy with zero fuss — no flour or cream needed. This is where the Healthy Macaroni with Chicken magic really happens!

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked macaroni and chicken to the skillet, then toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are completely coated in that luscious sauce. Warm everything through, taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. In just minutes, you’ve whipped up a single-skillet dinner that is as nourishing as it is tempting.

How to Serve Healthy Macaroni with Chicken

Garnishes

Take your Healthy Macaroni with Chicken from homey to restaurant-level by scattering a handful of fresh, chopped parsley or even a few extra shavings of Parmesan across the top. That finishing touch gives each bowl a splash of color and a pop of flavor that truly wows.

Side Dishes

This is a satisfying main dish, but it loves a little company. Try serving it with a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette, or roasted asparagus for extra greens. Some people also like to pair it with a slice of crusty whole grain bread to mop up every last bit of the creamy sauce — I’m definitely “some people” here.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to mix things up, try scooping the Healthy Macaroni with Chicken into small ramekins, top with extra Parmesan, and pop under the broiler until golden and bubbly. Or serve it family-style in a big pasta bowl so everyone can spoon out their share at the table. For kid-friendly fun, serve it in colorful bowls with a sprinkle of extra cheese — little eaters love customizing their own!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Healthy Macaroni with Chicken cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It’ll easily keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, which makes lunch prep or lazy-night dinners a breeze. The flavors get even better after a day’s rest!

Freezing

Want to make dinner weeks ahead? Portion cooled Healthy Macaroni with Chicken into single-serve containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just know the texture of the creamy sauce may change slightly when thawed (still delicious, just a tad less silky).

Reheating

To reheat, warm your leftovers gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, splash in a spoonful of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce, and stir until steaming. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring often for even heating — just don’t overdo it or the sauce might separate.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While whole wheat or legume-based macaroni makes Healthy Macaroni with Chicken extra wholesome, you can swap in regular or gluten-free pasta if you prefer. Just follow the same cooking directions and enjoy.

Is there a dairy-free substitute for the Greek yogurt and Parmesan?

If you’re looking to make this dish dairy-free, try using a plain, unsweetened plant-based yogurt and a sprinkle of your favorite dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The sauce may be a little tangier, but it’s still creamy and satisfying.

How can I make this dish even more protein-packed?

For an extra protein boost, stir in some cooked white beans or chickpeas along with the chicken, or top each serving with a hard-boiled egg. The flavors meld beautifully, and you’ll stay full even longer.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a quick shortcut for busy nights. Just shred or chop about 3 cups of cooked chicken and add it in with the noodles during the final toss.

What veggies can I swap in?

Healthy Macaroni with Chicken is a great “clean out the fridge” recipe. Try adding spinach, peas, zucchini, or even shredded carrots. If you love a little heat, toss in some chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to turn the comfort of creamy pasta into a nutritious, weeknight favorite, don’t wait to try Healthy Macaroni with Chicken. It’s easy, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. I hope it becomes a regular rotation in your home — happy cooking!

Healthy Macaroni with Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal with this Healthy Macaroni with Chicken recipe. Creamy and satisfying, this dish is packed with protein and wholesome ingredients to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Macaroni:

8 oz whole wheat or legume-based 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 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup diced bell pepper
1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Macaroni: Cook macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook Chicken: Brown chicken in olive oil seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Set aside.
Sauté Veggies: Sauté onion, garlic, broccoli, and bell pepper until tender.
Prepare Sauce: Add chicken broth, Greek yogurt, and Parmesan to skillet. Stir until creamy.
Combine: Add macaroni and chicken back to skillet. Toss until heated through.
Finish: Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.