I am not a pasta person but when kids are around, I really have no choice! This chicken macaroni recipe is easy and quick to fix for kids and more so on busy weeknights or for those days when you want a comforting meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. You can make it with lots of vegetables without the cheese or with cheese; I prefer my macaroni without cheese because I tend to have vegan tendencies sometimes. Adding chicken in the recipe adds protein to the recipe which is essential for the growth of the little ones. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious bowl of chicken macaroni on the table in no time.
How to make chicken macaroni
You will agree with me that macaroni and chicken is a classic combination for this recipe. Addition of chicken gives this recipe punch of protein that you or your kids will need. Here is an easy and quick way to make delicious chicken macaroni without adding cheese:
You will need:
- 500 gram of macaroni ; this will depend on your serving. This is a serving for 3-4 people
- 2 large pieces of boneless chicken breast; chopped into small sizes.
- Cloves of garlic; minced
- 2-3 medium sized tomatoes; chopped into small pieces
- 2 cups chicken broth/water
- Olive oil
- Medium size onion; chopped
- Spices and herbs; use your preferred spices and herbs (dried basil, parsley, turmeric powdered, paprika)
- Black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
In a sauce pan, boil the macaroni with water until they are tender then drain any remaining water and set aside. You boil the water first before adding the macaroni. Remember to add salt to the boiling water to add flavor to your macaroni; the salt should be added to your taste.
Macaroni can also be boiled in milk, if you prefer. Put both the milk and macaroni in a saucepan. Bring the milk to a boil stirring frequently to keep the macaroni from clumping. Cook while stirring frequently until the macaroni is soft and the milk has thickened to the consistency of heavy cream, about 5 minutes.
In a large skillet or cooking pot, heat oil over medium heat then add the diced chicken and fry on both sides until brown; this should take about 5-8 minutes.
Add the chopped onion and the minced garlic to the fried chicken and fry until the onion is softened, about 3-5 minutes.
Stir in the tomatoes and cook covered until the tomatoes are softened. Add the spices and dried herbs; if you are using any and stir.
Cook for another 3 minutes then add the broth or water. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the broth/water has significantly reduced.
Add the boiled macaroni and stir to combine well. Cover and then let is simmer for 3 minutes, then add chopped parsley to finish.
Chicken macaroni can be served as is or served with any homemade sauce or salad; and if you have a craving for cheese, add shredded parmesan cheese for a cheesy taste.
Variations of chicken macaroni
There are many other ways of making this dish. One of the popular ways is to use cheese to make what is popularly known as mac and cheese recipe. You can also add in more vegetables such as bell pepper, carrots, or zucchini, to the recipe for extra nutrition and color. If you like it hot, add cayenne pepper or jalapenos to add a spicy kick to the recipe. And if you feel like adding extra protein, consider adding chopped sausages or bacon. These are just a few examples of variations that you can do to customize the recipe to suite your taste and personal preferences. The possibilities are endless.
Other easy and quick recipes
- Quick and tasty fried beef liver
- Quick and easy gluten free Oats drop scones
- Quick and Easy Drop Scones
Easy and quick chicken macaroni
Ingredients
- 500 grams macaroni pasta
- 2 large pieces boneless chicken breast chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tomatoes chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth/water
- olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 tsp basil dried, ground
- ½ tsp turmeric powdered
- 1 tsp paprika ground
- 1 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- ½-1 tsp cayenne pepper ground
- parsley chopped
- salt to taste
Instructions
Step one:
- In a sauce pan, boil the macaroni with water until they are tender then drain any remaining water and set aside.
Step two:
- In a large skillet or cooking pot, heat oil over medium heat then add the diced chicken and fry on both sides until brown, about 5-8 minutes
- Add the chopped onion and the minced garlic to the fried chicken and fry until the onion is softened, about 3-5 minutes
- Stir in the tomatoes and cook covered until the tomatoes are softened. Add the spices and dried herbs; if you are using any and stir.
- Cook for another 3 minutes then add the broth or water. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the broth/water has significantly reduced.
Step three:
- Add the boiled macaroni and stir to combine well.
- Cover and then let is simmer for 3 minutes, then add chopped parsley to finish.
Notes
Keywords: Easy macaroni recipe, macaroni recipe, Chicken macaroni recipe
