Elaine GordonSummer evenings are perfect for gatherings with family and friends, and what better way to enjoy these warm nights than with good food? Picture this: you’ve just grilled some juicy burgers on the barbecue, and there’s a spread of colorful salads, all layered under a sunset sky.
But deep down, you know that there’s always room for a rich, creamy side dish that hits the spot – enter my Alfredo Mac n Cheese. This isn’t your typical boxed combination; oh no, this dish takes comfort food to another level, offering creamy cheese sauce and tender pasta while adding a hint of elegance.
Trust me, your guests will be reaching for seconds!
Macaroni and cheese is a classic that resonates with so many. It evokes a sense of nostalgia, making us think of childhood dinners and family gatherings. But why stop there? This Alfredo Mac n Cheese combines the beloved tastes of creamy Alfredo sauce with the comforting qualities of traditional mac n cheese.
It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience. Today, I’ll show you how to whip up this creamy delight that everyone will rave about.
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What is Alfredo Mac n Cheese Recipe?
Alfredo Mac n Cheese is a luxurious twist on the classic mac and cheese, incorporating Alfredo sauce into the mix. This recipe often features pasta such as cavatappi or elbow macaroni combined with a rich and creamy cheese sauce. The addition of ingredients like chicken and broccoli enhances both flavor and nutrition, transforming a simple dish into something that everyone can enjoy—especially on those busy weeknights or when hosting friends.
What Makes This Recipe Different from Other Alfredo Mac n Cheese Recipes?
What sets this recipe apart is its balance of flavors and the ingredient choices, which focus on freshness and quality. Instead of relying on pre-packaged sauces or processed cheeses, we’re using freshly grated Parmesan and heavy whipping cream for that homemade touch. The addition of sautéed chicken and broccoli offers a delightful contrast to the creaminess, while a hint of lemon juice brightens the whole dish. Plus, there’s a little secret ingredient I’ll reveal later on that adds a punch of flavor without overwhelming the classic tastes.
How Does It Taste?
This dish is a creamy lover’s dream come true. The combination of the cheesy, rich Alfredo sauce with tender pasta creates a mouthwatering dish that’s satisfying but not too heavy. The broccoli adds a lovely crunch, while the chicken contributes a savory note that pairs beautifully with the sauce. And don’t forget that splash of lemon juice—it’s like a burst of sunshine on your palate!
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This Dish
To create this fantastic Alfredo Mac n Cheese, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 1/2 pound (8 ounces) uncooked cavatappi or elbow macaroni
– 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh or frozen broccoli florets
– 1 teaspoon olive oil (for sautéing)
– 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces and lightly seasoned
– 1/4 cup diced onion (yellow or white)
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream (no substitutions, please!)
– 1 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (stay away from the green can!)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice for brightness
– Black pepper, to taste
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a little extra heat)
– Salt, to taste
Adding that touch of cayenne pepper gives this dish an unexpected kick without overshadowing the creamy goodness we are after.
Ingredients From : chocolatemoosey.com
How to Make Alfredo Mac n Cheese Recipe?
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty! Making Alfredo Mac n Cheese is simple and takes about 40 minutes from start to finish. With a few steps and the right ingredients, you’ll have a comforting dish that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once it’s bubbling away like a hot spring, add in a generous pinch of salt. This helps to flavor the pasta while cooking. Toss in your cavatappi or elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until it reaches al dente—typically around 9 to 11 minutes.
But don’t stop there! Three to five minutes before the pasta is done, throw in the broccoli. This allows the broccoli to become tender but still maintains a lovely crunch. Once everything is cooked, drain it in a colander and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While your pasta and broccoli are cooking, take a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and diced onion, cook for about three minutes, then flip and cook for an additional three to four minutes. You’re looking for golden-brown pieces of chicken that are cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a bowl and keep it warm.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Now for the creamy magic! In the same skillet (no need to wash it—that’s where the flavor hangs out), melt the butter over medium heat. As it melts, gently scrape any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant.
Next, gradually whisk in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Once the cream starts to bubble, add in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Watch as the cheese melts and the sauce thickens, about three to five minutes. If it appears too thick, don’t panic! Just stir in a splash more cream to achieve that dreamy consistency.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Once you’ve reached the desired thickness, remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice for a little acidity, and season with black pepper and a touch of salt. If you want to amp up the flavor, that cayenne pepper you added earlier will come to play here too.
Finally, toss the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken with your glorious sauce. Mix everything until well combined, and serve hot.
Tips & Tricks on Making Alfredo Mac n Cheese Recipe
– Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh garlic and quality cheese. This will elevate the flavor significantly.
– Pasta Cooking Water: Reserve some pasta water before draining; if your sauce gets too thick, a little splash can help loosen it up.
– Broccoli Options: You can use roasted broccoli for more depth of flavor, or skip it altogether and load up on more chicken.
– Cheese Swap: If you want to mix things up, try adding mozzarella for extra cheesiness.
– Cooking Chicken: Ensure your chicken pieces are all roughly the same size for even cooking.
How Do I Store This Dish?
Storing this Alfredo Mac n Cheese is quite simple. Allow any leftovers to cool before transferring them into an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. To reheat, just warm it up on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to revive that creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
1. Fresh Salad: Pair it with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a peppery contrast.
2. Garlic Bread: Nothing’s quite complete without a slice of buttery garlic bread on the side!
3. Roasted Veggies: Serve alongside a side of seasonal roasted veggies for a pop of color and nutrients.
4. Grilled Shrimp: For seafood lovers, grilled shrimp can be a delightful addition to this creamy dish.
5. Buffalo Cauliflower: Add a touch of spice with buffalo-style cauliflower bites as a side!
What Other Substitute Can I Use in Alfredo Mac n Cheese Recipe?
1. Pasta Type:Gluten-free pasta works perfectly if you’re avoiding gluten.
2. Cream: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or evaporated milk, but be aware that it may sacrifice some creaminess.
3. Cheese Varieties: Consider using Gruyère for a slight nutty flavor or a sharper cheese like cheddar to contrast the creaminess.
4. Chicken Alternatives: For a vegetarian version, use cooked mushrooms or firm tofu instead of chicken.
5. Lemon Juice:Use lime juice if you’re in a pinch and want a zesty kick!
Alfredo Mac n Cheese Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet
- Whisk
- Bowl
Ingredients
- To create this fantastic Alfredo Mac n Cheese you’ll need the following ingredients:
- – 1/2 pound 8 ounces uncooked cavatappi or elbow macaroni
- – 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh or frozen broccoli florets
- – 1 teaspoon olive oil for sautéing
- – 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces and lightly seasoned
- – 1/4 cup diced onion yellow or white
- – 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- – 1 clove garlic minced
- – 1 cup heavy whipping cream no substitutions, please!
- – 1 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese stay away from the green can!
- – 1 tablespoon lemon juice for brightness
- – Black pepper to taste
- – 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for a little extra heat
- – Salt to taste
- Adding that touch of cayenne pepper gives this dish an unexpected kick without overshadowing the creamy goodness we are after.
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
- Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once it’s bubbling away like a hot spring, add in a generous pinch of salt. This helps to flavor the pasta while cooking. Toss in your cavatappi or elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until it reaches al dente—typically around 9 to 11 minutes.
- But don’t stop there! Three to five minutes before the pasta is done, throw in the broccoli. This allows the broccoli to become tender but still maintains a lovely crunch. Once everything is cooked, drain it in a colander and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- While your pasta and broccoli are cooking, take a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and diced onion, cook for about three minutes, then flip and cook for an additional three to four minutes. You’re looking for golden-brown pieces of chicken that are cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a bowl and keep it warm.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Now for the creamy magic! In the same skillet (no need to wash it—that’s where the flavor hangs out), melt the butter over medium heat. As it melts, gently scrape any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant.
- Next, gradually whisk in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Once the cream starts to bubble, add in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Watch as the cheese melts and the sauce thickens, about three to five minutes. If it appears too thick, don’t panic! Just stir in a splash more cream to achieve that dreamy consistency.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Once you’ve reached the desired thickness, remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice for a little acidity, and season with black pepper and a touch of salt. If you want to amp up the flavor, that cayenne pepper you added earlier will come to play here too.
- Finally, toss the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken with your glorious sauce. Mix everything until well combined, and serve hot.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I make Alfredo Mac n Cheese ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. Just be sure to reheat gently to avoid the sauce breaking.
2. Can I freeze leftovers?
While I recommend eating this dish fresh, you can freeze leftovers. Just remember that the texture may not be the same once thawed and reheated.
3. What if I don’t have cavatappi?
No worries! Elbow macaroni, shells, or any short pasta will work just as well in this recipe.
4. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add zucchini, peas, or spinach for added nutrients and flavor.
5. What’s the secret to the best Alfredo sauce?
Using fresh cheese and cream, along with a good quality olive oil, makes all the difference in a rich, flavorful sauce.
Conclusion
This Alfredo Mac n Cheese recipe combines the best of both worlds—comfort food and restaurant-quality flavors. With its creamy richness, tender chicken, and delightful crunch from broccoli, it’s a dish your family will adore.
Whether it’s a cozy night in or a delightful side for a gathering, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. So gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking! Enjoy every cheesy bite!
