Flavorful 10-Minute Chicken Macaroni for Busy Weeknights

Quick and delectable chicken macaroni is the perfect meal when you need to cook something fast.

This dish brings comfort and satisfaction, making it a great choice for families or anyone who loves hearty meals.

With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta all mixed together, it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

The ingredients are not only tasty but also healthy, offering a wonderful option for busy weeknight dinners or when you’re in a rush.

Food lovers will enjoy how easy it is to prepare while still allowing room for creativity by adding different spices or extras.

You can turn simple ingredients into an amazing meal that’s full of flavor and super convenient.

Why 10-Minute Chicken Macaroni Saves The Day

• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Whip up a delicious meal in just 10 minutes with minimal kitchen effort.
• Speed Demon Cooking: Perfect for busy professionals or parents needing a fast, nutritious dinner solution.
• Flavor-Packed Simplicity: Transform basic ingredients into a mouthwatering chicken macaroni dish that feels like comfort food.
• Minimal Cleanup Magic: Uses only one pan, reducing dish-washing time and kitchen mess dramatically.

What Goes In 10-Minute Chicken Macaroni

• Chicken, Shredded: Protein-packed protein that adds hearty texture and flavor to the dish.
• Macaroni: Classic pasta that serves as the base of the recipe, provides carbohydrates and substance.
• Tomatoes, Chopped: Fresh vegetable that creates a vibrant sauce and adds natural sweetness.

• Garlic, Minced: Aromatic ingredient that provides deep, savory undertones to the sauce.
• Dill, Fresh: Herb with delicate, tangy flavor that brightens the overall dish.
• Mozzarella: Creamy cheese that melts smoothly and creates a rich, silky sauce.

• Olive Oil: Cooking fat that helps sauté ingredients and prevent sticking.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato product that intensifies the sauce's depth and color.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that balances and enhances all flavor profiles.
• Water: Liquid component to help cook pasta and create sauce consistency.

How To Make 10-Minute Chicken Macaroni

Step 1: Kickstart the Flavor

• Chopped tomatoes
• Shredded chicken
• Minced garlic

Sizzle and stir for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes break down into a luscious sauce.

Step 2: Build the Base

• Water
• Tomato paste
• Salt

Stir in macaroni and dill, making sure the pasta is just coated with sauce (not swimming).

Step 3: Create Magic

Cook the pasta until it reaches perfect tenderness, following package guidance.

Step 4: Melt in Cheese Goodness

Sprinkle mozzarella into the skillet and watch it transform into a creamy, dreamy sauce.

Step 5: Serve with Flair

Transfer to serving plates and garnish with extra fresh dill for a burst of herbaceous delight.

Grab a fork and dive into this quick, mouthwatering meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips To Get 10-Minute Chicken Macaroni Right

• Boost Flavor Quickly: Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth during sautéing to enhance the depth of taste and create a more complex sauce.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken with turkey, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences or to keep the meal interesting and versatile.
• Perfect Pasta Texture: Slightly undercook the macaroni before adding to the sauce, as it will continue absorbing liquid and softening during the final cooking stage.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Remove pan from heat when adding mozzarella to prevent overcooking and maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Chop ingredients and shred chicken in advance to reduce overall cooking time and make the 10-minute meal even more streamlined.

How To Store And Reheat 10-Minute Chicken Macaroni

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat Stovetop: Gently warm the macaroni in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent dryness and restore sauce consistency.
• Microwave Option: Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Avoid Freezing: This dish contains creamy mozzarella and delicate pasta, which can separate and lose texture when frozen, so best enjoyed fresh.

Best Matches With 10-Minute Chicken Macaroni

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Choose a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to cut through the creamy, rich tomato sauce and complement the chicken's light flavor.
• Serve with Garlic Bread Sidekick: Toasted, buttery garlic bread provides a crunchy contrast to the soft macaroni and helps soak up the delicious tomato-cheese sauce.
• Match with Fresh Mediterranean Salad: Combine cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese dressed with olive oil and lemon to add a bright, tangy counterpoint to the warm, cheesy pasta dish.
• Refresh with Citrus Iced Tea: Brew a light, cold citrus-infused tea that cleanses the palate and offers a refreshing balance to the rich, cheesy chicken macaroni.

Ways To Change Up 10-Minute Chicken Macaroni

• Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for a meat-free version that maintains the dish's protein content and flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Macaroni Bowl: Swap traditional macaroni with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or corn to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities or celiac disease.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Alternative: Substitute macaroni with spiralized zucchini noodles to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal that's perfect for keto or paleo diets.
• Spicy Mediterranean Version: Add red pepper flakes, cumin, and a splash of lemon juice to transform the recipe into a zesty, Mediterranean-inspired dish with a warm, complex flavor profile.

10-Minute Chicken Macaroni Questions

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute macaroni with similar short pasta like penne or rotini. Just ensure the cooking time remains consistent with the original recipe.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare this dish in advance and reheat it gently. The creamy tomato sauce and chicken keep the meal moist and flavorful.

• How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

Add extra shredded chicken or sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese. You can also include a side of beans or a hard-boiled egg for additional protein.

• What if I don't have fresh dill?

No problem! Use dried dill or substitute with fresh parsley. The herbs add a nice fresh flavor but aren’t essential to the recipe’s core taste.

Speedy 10-Minute Chicken Macaroni Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Speedy 10-Minute Chicken Macaroni delivers comfort and flavor in a flash, blending protein-packed chicken with creamy pasta. Hungry home cooks will discover a quick weeknight meal that satisfies without complex preparation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) chicken, shredded

Pasta and Cheese:

• ½ cup (120 ml) macaroni
• ½ cup (120 ml) mozzarella, shredded

Flavor and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 3 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 sprigs fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) tomato paste
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling foundation for the culinary adventure.
2. Introduce chopped tomatoes, shredded chicken, and minced garlic into the heated pan, allowing them to meld and develop rich, aromatic flavors.
3. Gently stir the mixture, encouraging the tomatoes to break down and transform into a velvety sauce while the chicken becomes perfectly heated.
4. Pour in water and tomato paste, seasoning with a delicate pinch of salt to enhance the overall taste profile.
5. Fold in macaroni and fragrant dill, ensuring each pasta strand is lightly coated with the vibrant sauce without being completely submerged.
6. Reduce heat and let the ingredients simmer, allowing the macaroni to become tender and absorb the surrounding flavors.
7. Once the pasta reaches the ideal consistency, introduce mozzarella, stirring gently to create a luxurious, creamy texture that binds the dish together.
8. Remove from heat and let the residual warmth complete the cheese melting process.
9. Transfer to serving dishes, optionally garnishing with additional fresh dill for a burst of herbal brightness.
10. Serve immediately, presenting a quick, satisfying meal that promises comfort and flavor in every bite.

Notes

• Swap chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version that keeps the dish protein-packed and satisfying.
• Use gluten-free macaroni to make this recipe celiac-friendly without compromising the delicious flavor profile.
• Boost nutrition by adding spinach or zucchini during the sautéing stage for extra vegetables and vibrant color.
• Control spiciness by adjusting garlic quantity or adding red pepper

• Prep Time: 2 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg