Ingredients and Weight:
- 8 oz cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 12 oz dry pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
- 8 oz Cheddar cheese, shredded or cubed
- 4 oz butter
- 4 oz all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as oregano or basil)
- Fresh vegetables like bell peppers, olives, or corn kernels for added flavor and texture (optional)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 30-40 minutes
- Total: 50-60 minutes
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Boil the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and mix well to create a roux.
- Pour in the milk and stir continuously until the mixture thickens.
- Add the Cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted.
- Season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs.
- Add the cooked chicken and mix well.
- Combine the chicken mixture with the cooked pasta.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with fresh vegetables (if using).
- Bake for 20-30 minutes or until bubbling and golden brown on top.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 total servings)
Calories: Approx. 450-500 calories per serving (depending on added ingredients)
Fat: 25-30g
Carbohydrates: 35-45g
Protein: 20-25g
Dish Characteristics:
- Creamy and rich Cheddar cheese sauce combined with cooked chicken and pasta.
- Perfect balance of cheese, chicken, and pasta flavors.
- Great for a family meal or a special occasion.
User Comments:
- "This dish was so creamy and delicious! The Cheddar cheese sauce was the best part."
- "My family loved this dish. It was easy to make and everyone enjoyed it."
- "Added fresh vegetables for extra flavor and texture. Definitely a keeper!"
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients for best results.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste preference.
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente (not too soft or too hard).
- For a healthier option, you can use low-fat milk or half-and-half and reduce the amount of butter.
