If you’re craving a soul-warming meal that brings together comfort and a little bit of spice, this White Chicken Chili Mac & Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. Rich, creamy, and packed with tender chicken, tender pasta, and a delightful blend of cheeses and spices, it’s an irresistible dish that feels like a big hug on a plate. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe impresses with layers of flavors and textures that make every bite unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating a wonderfully balanced dish. From the aromatic onion and cumin that provide warmth and depth, to the creamy cheeses that deliver that perfect mac and cheese consistency, every ingredient shines in its own way.
- Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and fragrant base for the chili flavors.
- White beans (28 ounce can): Bring creaminess and protein, making this chili hearty and satisfying.
- Diced green chilies (4.5 ounce can): Give a gentle kick and fresh bite without overpowering the dish.
- Minced garlic (1 teaspoon): Intensifies the aromatic profile and complements the cumin perfectly.
- Cumin (2 tablespoons): Infuses the dish with smoky, earthy warmth, essential for that classic chili vibe.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, balancing the richness and spices.
- White pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle spice note; black pepper can be used if preferred.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Creates a savory liquid base that cooks the pasta and melds all ingredients together.
- Cavatappi pasta (2 cups): Perfectly shaped to trap the creamy sauce, but elbow pasta works just as well.
- Shredded chicken (2 cups): Provides lean protein and makes this chili feel hearty and substantial.
- Shredded white cheddar (2 cups): Delivers sharpness and creaminess, one of the cheesy stars of the dish.
- Shredded mozzarella (1 cup): Adds gooey stretch and a mild, creamy texture that rounds out the flavors.
How to Make White Chicken Chili Mac & Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onion
Start by dicing your yellow onion and adding it to a large pot with a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. Cook it until it becomes slightly translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step creates a fragrant base that builds flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Add the Beans and Spices
Next, toss in the drained white beans, diced green chilies, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and white pepper. Stir everything together so the spices coat the beans and onion, which helps the flavors meld beautifully as the dish continues cooking.
Step 3: Stir in Chicken Broth and Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth along with the cavatappi pasta. Cover the pot and let everything cook for 12 to 15 minutes until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the broth. This step is where the magic begins to happen—your pasta soaks up all the chili’s delightful flavors.
Step 4: Add Shredded Chicken
Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the shredded chicken. This keeps the chicken tender and allows it to warm through without drying out, keeping every bite juicy and delicious.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheese
Now comes the cheesy goodness. Stir in one and a half cups of the white cheddar along with all the mozzarella until melted and velvety smooth. The combination gives you that irresistible creamy texture coupled with a rich, sharp flavor that defines this White Chicken Chili Mac & Cheese Recipe.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Remove the pot from heat and serve immediately. Sprinkle the remaining white cheddar on top as a garnish for a visually appealing and extra cheesy finish. This final touch elevates the dish, making it even more mouthwatering.
How to Serve White Chicken Chili Mac & Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to dress up your dish with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream. These not only add a pop of color but also enhance the fresh and tangy contrast against the cheesy richness.
Side Dishes
Pair this meal with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the creamy chili mac. Cornbread or crusty bread also works wonderfully to soak up any of the delicious sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets for a cozy, rustic touch. You can even turn it into a baked casserole by topping with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, then broiling until bubbly and golden on top—delicious and impressive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this White Chicken Chili Mac & Cheese Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for an excellent quick lunch or dinner when you’re short on time.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind the texture may be a tad softer after freezing, but the flavors will still be just as delicious.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of chicken broth or milk helps revive that creamy texture if it’s thickened too much in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cavatappi is ideal for holding onto the sauce, elbow macaroni or even shells would work beautifully. Pick your favorite shape that can trap the creamy cheese and chili flavors.
Is this recipe spicy?
This White Chicken Chili Mac & Cheese Recipe is mildly spiced thanks to the green chilies and cumin. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more chilies or some chopped jalapeños if you like a little extra kick.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of shredded chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut! It adds great flavor and makes this recipe even faster to put together after a busy day.
What kind of cheese works best?
White cheddar and mozzarella are a perfect match here; the cheddar brings sharpness and richness, while mozzarella adds creamy meltiness. You can experiment, but this combo is hard to beat.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra beans or some grilled veggies to keep it hearty and filling.
Final Thoughts
This White Chicken Chili Mac & Cheese Recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen because it’s comfort food taken to the next level. It’s a harmonious blend of creamy, cheesy decadence enriched with chili-inspired spices that feels like a heartwarming hug from the inside out. I encourage you to try it soon and savor every cozy, satisfying bite with your loved ones.
Print
White Chicken Chili Mac & Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This White Chicken Chili Mac & Cheese is a comforting and flavorful twist on classic mac and cheese, combining tender shredded chicken, creamy cheeses, zesty white beans, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, this dish brings together hearty protein and satisfying pasta in a creamy, cheesy chili-infused sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 28-ounce can white beans, drained (or 2 15-ounce cans)
- 1 4.5-ounce can diced green chilies
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (black pepper may be substituted)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cavatappi pasta (or elbow pasta)
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Onion: Dice your onion and add it to a large pot over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly translucent to build the base flavor.
- Add Seasonings and Beans: Add the drained white beans, diced green chilies, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and white pepper to the pot. Stir everything to combine the flavors evenly.
- Cook Pasta in Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and add the pasta. Cover the pot and let it cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is fully cooked and has absorbed some broth.
- Add Chicken: Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the shredded chicken to warm it through without overcooking.
- Incorporate Cheeses: Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the white cheddar cheese along with all the mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and create a creamy sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Use the remaining 1/2 cup of white cheddar cheese as a garnish on top for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add some diced jalapeños or chili powder.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of cream or milk along with the cheeses.
- Substitute pasta with gluten-free varieties if needed.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
