Mac ‘n’ Cheese. Just saying the name brings an instant sense of comfort—like cozying up with your favorite blanket on a rainy day.
It’s creamy, cheesy, nostalgic perfection.
But what if we told you that you could take this beloved classic to the next level—adding both flavor and a nutritious boost—without losing an ounce of its feel-good charm?
Say hello to Creamy Chicken Broccoli Mac ‘n’ Cheese—your new go-to for weeknight dinners, picky eaters, or just when you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and just a little more grown-up.
This isn’t just “mac with extras.”
It’s a full-on comfort upgrade—think tender pasta wrapped in velvety cheese sauce, with juicy bites of chicken and crisp-tender broccoli in every forkful.
A little indulgence, a lot of satisfaction, and plenty of goodness packed in.
Why Chicken & Broccoli Belong in Your Mac:
Protein-Packed: Tossing in some cooked chicken instantly turns mac ‘n’ cheese into a full meal. Use shredded rotisserie, grilled strips, or even last night’s leftovers—it all works.
Nutrient Boost: Broccoli adds color, fiber, vitamins, and a welcome earthiness that balances out the cheesy richness.
Texture Heaven: You’ve got al dente pasta, creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and broccoli with just the right amount of bite—it’s a texture dream come true.
Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters won’t think twice about the greens when they’re coated in gooey cheese.
Let’s Make It! Creamy Chicken Broccoli Mac ‘n’ Cheese Recipe
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can use your favorite mac ‘n’ cheese recipe as a base and simply incorporate the chicken and broccoli. Here’s a general guide to creating this comforting masterpiece:
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Mac & Cheese
This creamy, cheesy broccoli cheddar mac & cheese is so delicious! Broccoli adds color & extra nutrition to this classic.
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (or sub in some half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- 8 oz shredded cheddar (or a blend—try Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or Fontina)
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1½ cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen both work!)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta & Broccoli:
- Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta until just al dente (check the package for timing).
- Add broccoli during the last 3–4 minutes of cooking—just enough to turn it bright green and tender-crisp.
- Drain together and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour to form a smooth paste (aka roux) and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Simmer until the mixture thickens a bit.
- Remove from heat, stir in cheese until melty and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bring it All Together:
- Add the pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
Want it baked?
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and extra cheese if you’re feeling fancy.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Let it cool slightly.
- Top with fresh parsley, if you like.
- Serve warm and dig in!
Notes
Optional toppings: Breadcrumbs, more cheese, chopped parsley
What You’ll Need:
- Large pot
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Baking dish (for a baked version)
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 469Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 89mgSodium: 575mgCarbohydrates: 36gFiber: 3gSugar: 8gProtein: 27g
Pro Tips & Twists:
- Cheese Swap: Try sharp white cheddar, smoked Gouda, or a mix for a new flavor twist.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- Garlic Lovers: Sauté some minced garlic in the butter before adding flour.
- Veggie Add-Ins: Cauliflower, peas, spinach, or roasted red peppers all make great additions.
- Creamier Texture: Use a splash of heavy cream or evaporated milk for ultra-luxurious results.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble ahead of time (minus the topping), refrigerate, then bake when ready.
The Ultimate Comfort Food Makeover
This Chicken Broccoli Mac ‘n’ Cheese hits all the right notes: creamy, cheesy, filling, and just a bit better for you than the boxed stuff you grew up with. Whether it’s a busy Tuesday night or a lazy weekend dinner, it brings comfort without compromise—and might just become a regular on your weekly rotation.
So grab your pasta, your cheese, and your comfiest sweater. Tonight’s dinner is about to get a serious upgrade.
