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pesto mac and cheese served on a light pink plate on a marble surface with a blue and white linen

Chicken Pesto Mac & Cheese

★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews

Homemade Mac & Cheese is taken to the next level with a dollop of homemade basil pesto. Cheddar, Basil Pesto, and Greek Yogurt make this Chicken Pesto Mac & Cheese absolutely delicious! And ready in less than 30 minutes!  Step by step photos teach you how to make this perfect weeknight dinner!

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 Servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1.5lbs Boneless and Skinless Chicken Breast
  • 1/2lb Uncooked Noodles, I like Callentani or Elbow MacaroniNoodles
  • 2oz Salted Butter
  • 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • Salt & Pepper to taste, I start with 1/2 teaspoon of each
  • 12oz Milk (whole milk will create a richer sauce)
  • 1 1/2 cups Cheese (Sharp Cheddar, Fontina, Gruyere)
  • 2oz Basil Pesto
  • 2oz Greek Yogurt

Instructions

  1. Place a large skillet over medium heat, season raw chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add a little cooking oil to the pan and add the chicken. Cook chicken breasts over medium heat, flip after 4 minutes, depending on how thick your chicken breasts are the remaining cooking time could take 8 minutes - 15 minutes. For this reason, I suggest using a digital instant-read thermometer to test the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165F. Once the chicken is cooked place it on a plate and cover with foil to rest. 
  2. Cook the noodles according to box instructions, set them aside.
  3. In the chicken pan add butter and flour and whisk for two minutes until both are fully combined. Mix in salt, pepper, and milk once combined let simmer for two minutes whisking frequently until the sauce thickens.
  4. Whisk in cheese until fully melted then add pesto and greek yogurt. Chop chicken into bite-size pieces and add to the sauce then and pasta, let cook for two minutes. Serve immediately, sprinkle with parmesan cheese, if desired.

Equipment

  • Author: Elizabeth Waterson I Confessions of a Baking Queen
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: pasta
  • Method: cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian/ American

Keywords: basil pesto mac and cheese, pesto mac and cheese with chicken, chicken pesto pasta

Find it online: https://confessionsofabakingqueen.com/chicken-pesto-mac-cheese/

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