If you’re looking for a quick and healthy dinner that’s both delicious and easy to prepare, this Healthy Macaroni With Chicken recipe is just what you need! This dish comes together in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Using leftover shredded chicken, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, garlic, and herbs, this one-pan meal is packed with flavor and nutrition. Plus, it’s a lighter, healthier twist on classic macaroni and cheese, ensuring that even picky eaters will love it!

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Macaroni With Chicken Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes, this recipe is perfect for last-minute meals.
One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to clean up means more time to enjoy your meal.
Nutritious & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein, fresh tomatoes, and herbs, this dish offers a balanced and nutritious meal.
Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the cheesy, flavorful sauce.
Great for Leftovers: Use up shredded rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken you have on hand.

Ingredients for Healthy Macaroni With Chicken

To make this delicious dish, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

1/2 cup macaroni (use whole wheat or gluten-free if preferred)
1 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
3 fresh tomatoes, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 strings fresh dill, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon tomato paste
Salt to taste
1/4 cup water (as needed for cooking the pasta)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Tomato Base

If you’re using bone-in chicken, remove the bones and shred the meat.
Heat olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
Add chopped tomatoes and minced garlic, then sauté for 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes begin to break down into a sauce-like consistency.

Step 2: Add the Macaroni

Stir in 1 teaspoon of tomato paste for extra flavor.
Pour in 1/4 cup water and a pinch of salt.
Add the macaroni and chopped dill, stirring well.
Ensure the pasta is just covered by the liquid but not drowning, as this will help it cook evenly.

Step 3: Cook & Melt the Cheese

Cover and cook for 3-5 minutes (or until the macaroni is tender, depending on the type of pasta you use).
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the mozzarella cheese and mix well until it melts, creating a creamy tomato sauce.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

Serve immediately while warm.
Garnish with extra dill or fresh basil for added freshness.
Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Healthy Macaroni With Chicken

Use Whole Wheat Macaroni: For added fiber and nutrients, opt for whole wheat or protein-enriched pasta.
Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes or black pepper for a slight kick.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap out the mozzarella for nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Health Benefits of This Recipe

This Healthy Macaroni With Chicken is not only tasty but also nutritious. Here’s why:

High in Protein: The shredded chicken provides a lean source of protein, helping to build and repair muscles.
Rich in Antioxidants: Fresh tomatoes are loaded with vitamin C and lycopene, which are great for your immune system.
Good Fats: Olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats that support heart health.
Gut-Friendly: Garlic contains prebiotics, which promote healthy digestion.

FAQs About Healthy Macaroni With Chicken

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce and shredded chicken ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, just cook the pasta and mix everything together.

Can I Freeze This Dish?

Absolutely! Store leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stove.

What Pasta Works Best?

Elbow macaroni is classic, but you can also use penne, fusilli, or even chickpea pasta for a high-protein alternative.

Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?

To make it gluten-free, simply swap regular macaroni for your favorite gluten-free pasta brand.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs well with:

A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette
Garlic bread for a comforting meal
A side of steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables

🍅🧀 10-Minute Healthy Macaroni with Chicken – Quick & Delicious!

Author: therecipemingle

Print Recipe

Description

Need a fast, healthy, and family-friendly dinner? This one-pan shredded chicken macaroni is ready in just 10 minutes! Packed with juicy tomatoes, garlic, fresh herbs, chicken, and melted mozzarella, it’s a lighter, healthier twist on mac and cheese that even picky eaters will love! 😍

Ingredients

✔️ ½ cup macaroni (quick-cooking)
✔️ 1 ½ cups cooked shredded chicken
✔️ ½ cup mozzarella, shredded 🧀
✔️ 3 tomatoes, chopped 🍅
✔️ 2 sprigs dill, chopped 🌿
✔️ 2 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
✔️ 2 tbsp olive oil
✔️ 1 tsp tomato paste
✔️ ¼ cup water
✔️ Salt to taste

Instructions

1️⃣ Sauté the Chicken & Tomatoes 🍗

Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
Add shredded chicken, chopped tomatoes, and garlic.
Cook for 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes break down into a light sauce.

2️⃣ Cook the Macaroni 🍝

Stir in tomato paste, salt, water, and macaroni.
Make sure the pasta is just covered in the sauce (not drowning).
Cook until the macaroni is tender (about 3-5 minutes, depending on pasta type).

3️⃣ Add the Cheese 🧀

Stir in mozzarella and let it melt into a creamy, cheesy tomato sauce.

4️⃣ Serve & Enjoy! 😍

Garnish with fresh dill and serve immediately!

Notes

Use whole wheat macaroni for extra fiber or gluten-free pasta for a GF version!

Final Thoughts on Healthy Macaroni With Chicken

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and nutritious dinner that the whole family will love, this Healthy Macaroni With Chicken is the perfect option. It’s a one-pan, 10-minute meal that is filled with delicious flavors, protein, and fresh ingredients. Whether you’re using leftover chicken or cooking fresh, this dish is a winner!

Try it today and let us know what you think! If you enjoyed this recipe, leave a review and share it on Pinterest!

Healthy Macaroni With Chicken – A 10-Minute Family Favorite