If you love comforting, creamy dishes that bring together bold flavors with the ease of a single pot, then you’re going to adore this One Pot White Chicken Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe. It’s a delicious fusion of classic mac and cheese and hearty white chicken chili, delivering tender chicken, spicy green chilies, and cheesy pasta all in one nourishing bowl. Perfect for weeknights or cozy weekends, this recipe combines freshness, spice, and melt-in-your-mouth cheese in a way that will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this One Pot White Chicken Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe plays a starring role in creating layers of flavor and texture. From the creamy cheeses to the aromatic spices and fresh lime, each component balances and elevates the dish beautifully.
- Cooked shredded chicken breast (2 cups): Provides tender protein and a hearty bite that complements the creamy sauce.
- Elbow macaroni uncooked (12 ounces): Classic pasta shape that holds onto the cheesy sauce perfectly.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used to sauté onions and garlic, adding a subtle richness.
- Small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when softened in the pan.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): Brings fragrant warmth that enhances every spoonful.
- Diced green chilies (1 can, 4 ounces): Introduces mild heat and a bright, tangy kick.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds earthy, smoky undertones typical of white chili.
- Chili powder (1/2 teaspoon): Contributes gentle spiciness that rounds out the flavor.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses warmth and subtle smokiness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle bite and complexity.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Provides savory liquid to cook pasta and deepen flavors.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Adds creaminess to the sauce and ensures luscious texture.
- White beans, drained and rinsed (1 can, 15 ounces): Adds creaminess and fiber while boosting the protein content.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (2 cups): Melts smoothly with a mild, buttery taste.
- Shredded white cheddar cheese (1 cup): Brings sharp flavor and richness to the cheesy base.
- Cream cheese, cubed (2 ounces): Creates irresistibly creamy sauce and velvety texture.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons): Provides bright, fresh notes as a finishing touch.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Adds vibrant acidity to balance the richness.
How to Make One Pot White Chicken Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook until it’s soft and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and stir for just 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning it. This step builds a flavorful foundation for your chili mac and cheese.
Step 2: Spice It Up
Next, stir in your diced green chilies along with ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well so the spices toast just a little, awakening their flavors. This spicy blend is what gives the dish that authentic white chicken chili vibe.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta
Pour in chicken broth and whole milk, then add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the pasta to cook perfectly and absorb all those rich flavors.
Step 4: Mix in Chicken and Beans
Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the shredded chicken and white beans. These ingredients boost the heartiness and texture of the dish, making it filling and satisfying.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Add the cream cheese cubes to the pot and stir until they fully melt into a smooth, velvety sauce. Then remove the pot from heat and gradually fold in the Monterey Jack and white cheddar cheeses until melted and creamy. This cheesy layer is what makes this One Pot White Chicken Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe incredibly comforting and indulgent.
Step 6: Finish with Freshness
To brighten everything up, stir in chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice. Let the dish sit for about 5 minutes off the heat so the sauce can thicken slightly before serving. This final touch brings a fresh contrast that balances the creamy, cheesy richness perfectly.
How to Serve One Pot White Chicken Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes is a fantastic way to introduce texture and extra flavor. Consider topping your chili mac and cheese with sliced avocado for creaminess, crushed tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch, or a sprinkle of extra fresh cilantro for brightness. A dollop of sour cream or a few jalapeño slices also add great personality to this dish.
Side Dishes
While this meal is hearty enough on its own, pairing it with simple, light sides is golden. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables add refreshing contrast and balance. Cornbread or warm crusty bread pairs beautifully if you want something to sop up every last bit of cheesy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the fun of sharing your favorite recipes! Serve the One Pot White Chicken Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for an inviting look. For a fun twist, stuff it into bell pepper halves or bake it topped with extra cheese and a crunchy breadcrumb layer until golden for a fresh texture variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making your next serving even more delicious.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve the creamy texture.
Reheating
When reheating, do so slowly on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce. This keeps the creamy consistency intact and prevents the cheese from becoming grainy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni works wonderfully, you can swap in other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells. Just be sure to adjust cooking time as needed to keep them perfectly tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can leave out the chicken and add extra beans or vegetables like corn and bell peppers to boost the heartiness. Consider using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian.
What if I don’t have fresh cilantro?
If fresh cilantro isn’t available, you can skip it or substitute with fresh parsley or green onions. These will still add a bit of freshness, though cilantro has its unique flavor that’s worth trying when possible.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a party?
You can prepare the base up to the point of adding cheeses and lime juice, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, gently reheat, add the cheeses and lime, and finish as directed. This helps maintain that fresh, creamy texture for guests.
How spicy is this One Pot White Chicken Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe?
This recipe has a mild, pleasant heat thanks to the green chilies and spices but isn’t overly spicy. You can easily adjust the heat level by adding cayenne pepper or jalapeños if you like things hotter.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about one-pot meals that are bursting with flavor yet so effortless to make. This One Pot White Chicken Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe captures that magic perfectly, combining creamy cheese, tender chicken, and the zesty punch of chilies all in one satisfying dish. It’s comforting, versatile, and absolutely delicious—do yourself a favor and try it out soon. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
One Pot White Chicken Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One Pot White Chicken Chili Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting dish combining tender shredded chicken, macaroni pasta, white beans, and a blend of cheeses with a flavorful chili-spiced broth. It’s an easy, hearty meal perfect for weeknights, cooked entirely on the stovetop for a quick and minimal cleanup dinner.
Ingredients
Protein and Dairy
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 2 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup whole milk
Dry Goods and Pasta
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 can (15 ounces) white beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Spices and Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Liquids
- 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Spices and Chilies: Add the diced green chilies, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot, stirring to combine the flavors evenly.
- Incorporate Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and whole milk, then stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Simmer Pasta: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer the mixture for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add Chicken and Beans: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and drained white beans, mixing well with the pasta and broth base.
- Melt Cream Cheese: Add the cubed cream cheese to the pot and stir continuously until it melts into a creamy sauce that envelops the pasta and chicken.
- Add Shredded Cheeses: Remove the pot from heat, then gradually stir in the shredded Monterey Jack and white cheddar cheeses until fully melted and smooth, creating a rich cheesy sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro and lime juice for a bright, fresh flavor. Let the chili mac and cheese sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños while cooking the aromatics.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of milk to loosen the consistency.
- Top with sliced avocado or crushed tortilla chips for additional texture and flavor contrast.
