Description
Hearty white chicken chili mac and cheese blends creamy comfort with spicy southwestern flavors. Cheese-coated pasta and tender chicken create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 can white beans, drained
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 poblano peppers, seeded and chopped
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
- 12 cup salsa verde
- Green onions for serving
- Cilantro for serving
Dairy, Seasoning, and Pasta:
- 2 tablespoons salted butter or olive oil
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 cups shredded melty cheese (colby, cheddar, or pepper jack)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 12 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper
- 4 cups broth
- 1 pound short cut pasta
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F, preparing a baking-ready environment for the final culinary fusion.
- In a large pot, sauté diced onions and chicken over medium-high heat for 5 minutes until chicken begins to brown.
- Incorporate minced garlic, chopped poblano peppers, and selected seasonings, continuing to cook for an additional 5 minutes to develop robust flavors.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot, partially cover, and allow the mixture to simmer 5-10 minutes until chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- Remove chicken from the pot, shred using two forks, and set aside for later incorporation.
- Add pasta and water directly to the seasoned pot, bringing to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent sticking.
- Blend cream cheese into the pasta mixture, creating a creamy base for the dish.
- Reintroduce shredded chicken, add beans, salsa verde, and green chilies, stirring to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle one cup of cheese throughout the mixture, then transfer to a baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheese and bake for 5-10 minutes until cheese melts completely and becomes golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Adjust Spice Levels Customize heat by choosing mild or hot poblano peppers and salsa verde based on personal preference.
- Protein Alternatives Swap chicken with ground turkey, shredded pork, or plant-based protein for dietary variety.
- Creamy Texture Trick Let cream cheese sit at room temperature before adding to ensure smooth, lump-free incorporation into the dish.
- Make-Ahead Magic Prepare the entire casserole ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg