Description
This Healthy Macaroni with Chicken recipe combines tender diced chicken with whole-grain macaroni and a creamy, flavorful sauce made from Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a nutritious and satisfying weeknight meal, this dish is wholesome, easy to prepare, and packed with protein and fiber.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 8 oz whole-grain macaroni (or gluten-free macaroni if needed)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk)
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon whole-wheat flour (or gluten-free flour for a GF option)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole-grain macaroni according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds. Sprinkle the whole-wheat flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to form a paste.
- Add Liquids: Slowly pour in the chicken broth and almond milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and additional dried oregano to taste.
- Combine: Add the cooked chicken and macaroni to the skillet, stirring gently to coat everything with the sauce. Heat everything together for 2-3 minutes until warm.
- Serve: Serve the Healthy Macaroni with Chicken in bowls, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. You can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Notes
- Use gluten-free macaroni and gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Substitute almond milk with regular milk if you prefer a creamier texture.
- For added veggies, consider stirring in spinach or peas along with the chicken before serving.
- Greek yogurt adds creaminess with fewer calories than heavier creams, making this dish healthier.
- You can prepare the chicken and pasta in advance to reduce cooking time.
