Chicken and Kale Macaroni Bake Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

This Chicken and Kale Macaroni Bake is a comforting and nutritious dish that combines tender chicken, hearty kale, and pasta in a creamy sauce. It’s an excellent way to incorporate greens into a family-friendly meal.

The recipe is simple to follow and perfect for weeknight dinners. You can prepare it ahead of time and bake it just before serving, making it a convenient option for busy schedules.

Delicious Chicken and Kale Macaroni Bake

This Chicken and Kale Macaroni Bake features cooked pasta mixed with sautéed chicken and kale, all enveloped in a rich cheese sauce. The dish is baked until bubbly and golden, serving approximately 6 people.

Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
2 cups kale, chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs for topping (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Kale: Stir in the chopped kale and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted.
Make the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, chicken and kale mixture, milk, cream cheese, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix well until everything is combined.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs if using.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.