American Chicken and Mushroom Mac and Cheese with Garlic Bread

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty mac and cheese with shredded chicken, mushrooms, and crispy garlic bread. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs macaroni, cheddar cheese, chicken for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 1 lb macaroni, and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside. Tip: Use 1 tbsp salt per 4 cups water for optimal flavor.
  2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat, whisk in 2 tbsp flour until smooth, and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually add 1 cup cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is glossy and smooth. Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add 1/4 cup milk (not listed in ingredients) to reach a pourable consistency.
  3. Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 lb chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces), and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink inside. Add 1 cup mushrooms, diced into 1/2-inch cubes, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and the edges are golden brown and tender. Tip: Cook the chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the cooked macaroni to the saucepan with the cheese sauce, and stir until the pasta is evenly coated. Add the cooked chicken and mushrooms, mixing thoroughly until well combined. Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth (not listed in ingredients) to loosen it.
  5. Step 5: Preheat a baking sheet in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10 minutes. Place 1 loaf garlic bread on the sheet, brush with melted butter, and toast for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Tip: For extra flavor, sprinkle the garlic bread with chopped parsley before toasting.
  6. Step 6: Divide the macaroni and cheese mixture into 4 bowls, top each with a slice of garlic bread, and serve immediately while hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does American Chicken and Mushroom Mac and Cheese with Garlic Bread take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover American Chicken and Mushroom Mac and Cheese with Garlic Bread?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep macaroni from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in American Chicken and Mushroom Mac and Cheese with Garlic Bread?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale American Chicken and Mushroom Mac and Cheese with Garlic Bread for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with American Chicken and Mushroom Mac and Cheese with Garlic Bread?

American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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