There's no reason to buy boxed mac and cheese when you can easily make homemade with chicken and broccoli. Not only that, it is lightened up and tastes so much better.
8 oz. medium shells pasta, uncooked
3 c. broccoli florets
3 T. olive oil
4 chicken breast halves, cut into 1 inch pieces
salt, to taste
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 c. skim milk
1 c. chicken stock/broth
1/4 c. all-purpose flour
salt, to taste
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/8 t. chili powder
1 c. shredded Cheddar cheese
Cook pasta according to package directions. Add broccoli florets to the pasta during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain; set aside.
While pasta water is getting ready to boil, prepare and cut the chicken.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add chicken; season with salt and pepper; cook 4 - 6 minutes, or until browned.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together milk, chicken stock/broth, and flour; add salt, pepper, and chili powder; whisk until well combined. Stir the milk mixture into the pan with the chicken; cook 2 - 3 minutes or until sauce is thickened. Add pasta mixture and Cheddar cheese; stir until cheese is melted; cook 2 - 3 minutes, or until heated through. Remove from heat; let stand 2 - 3 minutes; stir. Serve.
4 servings.