Broccoli and Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
- 1 box rotini noodles
- 1 box shell pasta
- 3 heads of broccoli (chopped into florets)
- 1 block Velveeta cheese (diced)
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Leftover grilled chicken (diced, about 2 cups)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the rotini noodles and shells according to the package directions. Drain the pasta when done, but keep it in the pot for mixing later.
- Steam the Broccoli:
- While the pasta is cooking, chop the broccoli into small florets. You can steam it on the stovetop or use a microwave steamer. Steam the broccoli until it’s tender but still bright green, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
- Heat the Chicken:
- If you have leftover grilled chicken, dice it into bite-sized pieces and heat it up in the microwave or a skillet.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced Velveeta cheese and milk, stirring frequently as the cheese melts. Continue to cook until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit more milk, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Combine All Ingredients:
- Once the pasta, broccoli, and chicken are ready, add them all to the large pot with the cooked pasta.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the top and mix everything together until evenly coated. Stir gently so you don’t break up the broccoli too much.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once everything is well combined, serve up your creamy and delicious Broccoli and Chicken Mac and Cheese!
Optional Additions:
- Seasonings: Feel free to add salt, pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder to taste. A sprinkle of parmesan on top can add extra flavor.
- Bread Crumbs: For a crispy topping, you can sprinkle breadcrumbs over the dish and bake it for 10-15 minutes at 350°F.
- Extra Veggies: You could also toss in some sautéed onions, peas, or even roasted red peppers to up the veggie count.
This dish is an easy, hearty, and kid-friendly way to enjoy mac and cheese with extra protein and veggies! The broccoli adds a nice freshness and crunch to the creamy sauce. Enjoy!