Healthy Chicken Macaroni

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is comfort food without the guilt. It’s high in protein, easy to customize, and comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. You’ll love how the tender macaroni and juicy chicken pair with a light tomato-based sauce or broth, with colorful veggies adding crunch, color, and nutrients. It’s a one-pan wonder that checks all the boxes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
• Macaroni (whole wheat or regular)
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Onion, chopped
• Bell peppers, diced
• Carrot, grated or chopped
• Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
• Chicken broth or water
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• Optional: spinach, peas, zucchini, chili flakes, Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, sauté until fragrant and soft.
3. Add bell peppers and carrots. Cook for 3–4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
4. Stir in the shredded chicken, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Simmer for 5–10 minutes to blend the flavors.
6. Add the cooked macaroni and stir to combine. Add spinach or peas if using, and cook for another 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs and optional cheese before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4. Total time is about 30 minutes, including pasta cooking and sauce preparation, making it a fast and family-friendly meal.

Variations

• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of low-fat milk or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
• Add more veggies: Zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli work well in this dish.
• Use a different protein: Try ground turkey, lean beef, or tofu.
• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
• Use a different pasta: Try penne, shells, or even gluten-free pasta.
• Top it off: Add a sprinkle of Parmesan or a few breadcrumbs for texture.
• Make it one-pot: Cook the macaroni directly in the sauce with extra broth for a true one-pot version.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

FAQs

How long does Healthy Chicken Macaroni last in the fridge?

It lasts up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, it freezes well for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before freezing.

What kind of chicken works best?

Cooked, shredded chicken breast is ideal, but you can use thighs or rotisserie chicken too.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, it’s mild, colorful, and full of familiar ingredients kids tend to love.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Absolutely. The base recipe contains no dairy unless you add cheese or yogurt.

Can I add beans?

Yes, white beans or chickpeas add extra fiber and protein.

Is it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I use tomato paste instead of sauce?

Yes, just thin it out with water or broth and adjust the seasoning to taste.

What herbs go well with this?

Parsley, basil, oregano, or thyme all complement the dish beautifully.

Can I meal prep this?

Yes, it holds up well for several days and reheats easily, making it perfect for meal prep.

Conclusion

Healthy Chicken Macaroni is a quick, nutritious, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekly meal planning. With lean protein, fiber-rich pasta, and loads of veggies, it’s a balanced dish the whole family will enjoy. Versatile and easy to customize, it’s a go-to recipe you’ll keep coming back to.

Healthy Chicken Macaroni

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Healthy Chicken Macaroni is a lightened-up, veggie-packed pasta dish made with lean chicken, tender macaroni, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s quick, comforting, and nutritious.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
• 8 oz macaroni (whole wheat or regular)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium carrot, grated or chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• Optional: 1 cup spinach or 1/2 cup peas
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
• Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add garlic and onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
3. Add bell peppers and carrots and cook for 3–4 minutes until beginning to soften.
4. Stir in shredded chicken, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth.
5. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and chili flakes if using. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
6. Add cooked macaroni and stir to combine. Add spinach or peas, and cook another 2–3 minutes until heated through.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and optional Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for added fiber or dietary needs.
• Add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for more nutrients.
• For a creamy variation, stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a splash of milk.
• Freeze in portions for easy future meals.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 65mg