Make homemade mac and cheese with chicken and make it a complete meal. It's an easy and quick dinner to prepare after a long day at work. Serve it with a side salad.
8 oz. medium shell pasta
3 c. broccoli florets
2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
2 T. unsalted butter
1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1 c. milk
1 c. chicken stock/broth
1/4 t. garlic powder
1/4 t. pepper
1/8 t. salt
2 c. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
In a large pot of well salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package directions, about 8 minutes. Add broccoli during last 2-3 minutes of cooking time; drain; set aside.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add flour; cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and chicken stock/broth; season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is bubbling and thickened. Remove from heat; add cheese; stir until melted.
Add drained pasta, broccoli and chicken; stir to combine. If sauce becomes too thick, add milk as needed to thin.