Macaroni and Cheese a La King

Elevate classic comfort food with this indulgent and flavorful twist: Macaroni and Cheese a La King. This vibrant dish takes creamy, cheesy macaroni to the next level by combining tender diced chicken, sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, and sweet peas for a hearty, colorful medley. The velvety cheese sauce, featuring sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese, is luxuriously rich and perfectly seasoned with a hint of paprika for a subtle smoky kick. Finished with a golden baked crust, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy and baked textures. Ready in just under an hour, it’s an ideal crowd-pleaser for family dinners or potlucks. Indulge in the ultimate mash-up of macaroni and cheese and the comforting flavors of Chicken a La King—your taste buds will thank you!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz macaroni pasta
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 0.5 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 0.5 cups frozen peas
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the frozen peas and cooked, diced chicken. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Step 5

Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, making sure to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese until fully melted. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 7

Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 8

In a large mixing bowl or the pot used to cook the pasta, combine the cooked macaroni, sautéed chicken and vegetables, and the cheese sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.

Step 9

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Optional: sprinkle additional shredded cheese or breadcrumbs over the top for added texture.

Step 10

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and slightly golden on top.

Step 11

Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Macaroni and Cheese a La King!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2619.5 grams (2619.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5227

Total Fat 286.60g	367%
Saturated Fat 155.80g	779%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.40g
Cholesterol 1157mg	386%
Sodium 5444mg	237%
Total Carbohydrate 352.20g	128%
Dietary Fiber 22.90g	82%
Total Sugars 65.00g
Protein 304.80g	610%

Vitamin D 384IU	1921%
Calcium 3226mg	248%
Iron 15mg	83%
Potassium 4511mg	96%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.5%

Protein: 23.4%

Carbs: 27.1%