This One Pot White Chicken Chili Mac and Cheese is a cozy, hearty dish combining the creamy goodness of mac and cheese with the bold flavors of white chicken chili. The chicken is seasoned with spices, then mixed with creamy cheese, salsa verde, and pasta for a deliciously creamy, spicy dish. Plus, it’s made in just one pot, making clean-up a breeze. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you’re craving comfort food with a little kick!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 poblano pepper, diced

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• 3 cups chicken broth

• 8 ounces elbow pasta

• 2 cups water

• 4 ounces cream cheese

• 1 cup white beans, drained and rinsed

• ½ cup salsa verde

• 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies

• 2 cups shredded cheese (white cheddar and pepper jack)

• Fresh cilantro and green onions for garnish

Directions

1. Cook the Chicken and Vegetables:
   Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large oven-safe skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and chicken, cooking until fragrant (about 5 minutes). Stir in garlic, poblano peppers, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes.

2. Add the Broth:
   Stir in the chicken broth, partially cover the skillet, and simmer over medium-low heat for 5-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken and shred using two forks.

3. Cook the Pasta:
   Add the pasta and 2 cups of water to the skillet, bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until the pasta is al dente.

4. Mix the Cream Cheese and Chicken:
   Stir in the cream cheese until melted and smooth. Add the shredded chicken back into the skillet along with white beans, salsa verde, diced green chilies, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Stir well to combine.

5. Bake:
   Top with the remaining shredded cheese and bake in the oven for 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve:
   Divide the pasta into bowls and top with fresh cilantro and green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrients

Per serving (1 bowl)

• Calories: 703 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 69 g

• Protein: 47 g

• Fat: 31 g

  • Saturated Fat: 15 g

• Cholesterol: 140 mg

• Sodium: 1240 mg

• Potassium: 565 mg

• Fiber: 4 g

• Sugar: 6 g

• Calcium: 400 mg

• Iron: 3 mg

This dish combines the comforting flavors of chili with the creamy richness of mac and cheese, offering a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week!

Why One Pot Meals Are a Game-Changer

One of the standout features of this recipe is that it’s a one-pot meal, meaning you can make the entire dish in a single skillet or oven-safe pan. This eliminates the need for multiple pots and pans, making it both time-saving and easy to clean up afterward. Plus, cooking everything together in one pot allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a dish where every bite is packed with layers of flavor.

The simplicity of the one-pot cooking method makes this dish perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t have the time or energy for complicated preparations. All the ingredients come together effortlessly, making it a stress-free and satisfying option for any meal.

A Hearty Base: Shredded Chicken and Veggies

The base of this dish is a flavorful mixture of seasoned, shredded chicken, sautéed onions, garlic, and poblano peppers. The chicken is first cooked and shredded, making it easy to mix into the dish and ensuring that every bite has a tender, flavorful protein. The addition of cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder creates a rich, warm spice profile that elevates the dish and gives it that signature chili flavor.

The poblano peppers add a mild heat and a smoky, slightly earthy flavor that perfectly complements the other spices. As the vegetables sauté, they soften and release their flavors, adding depth to the base of the dish.

The Creamy Sauce: Cheese, Cream Cheese, and Salsa Verde

What makes this dish so indulgent is the creamy, cheesy sauce that binds everything together. After the chicken and vegetables are cooked, pasta is added along with water and chicken broth, which forms the base of the sauce. The key to the creaminess lies in the addition of cream cheese, which melts into the sauce, giving it a velvety smooth texture.

Salsa verde adds a tangy, zesty flavor that brightens up the richness of the cream cheese and cheese. The combination of salsa verde and green chilies provides just the right amount of heat, creating a dish that’s flavorful without being overwhelming. The addition of shredded white cheddar and pepper jack cheeses further enhances the creaminess and adds a sharp, savory flavor that perfectly balances the spice from the chili.

Cooking the Pasta: Perfectly Al Dente

The pasta used in this dish is elbow macaroni, which is perfectly sized to soak up the creamy sauce while still holding its shape. By cooking the pasta directly in the skillet with the broth and water, it absorbs all the delicious flavors from the chicken, spices, and broth. The pasta cooks to al dente perfection, giving it a slight bite that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.

This method of cooking the pasta in the same pot ensures that it becomes well-coated with the flavorful sauce and that it retains its texture, rather than becoming soggy.

The Finishing Touch: Baked Cheese Topping

After the pasta and filling have been combined, the dish is topped with more shredded cheese and baked until bubbly and golden. The cheese forms a gooey, crispy top that adds another layer of indulgence. As the cheese melts in the oven, it creates a deliciously crispy and golden crust on top, adding a textural contrast to the creamy, cheesy pasta beneath.

This final step is what transforms the dish from just a simple skillet meal into a decadent, restaurant-quality comfort food. The baking process also allows the flavors to meld together, giving you a unified, rich taste with every bite.

Garnishing: Freshness and Flavor

To add a burst of freshness and color to the dish, garnish with fresh cilantro and green onions before serving. The cilantro provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chili mac and cheese, while the green onions add a mild, sharp flavor that cuts through the creamy sauce. These garnishes also add visual appeal, making the dish look as good as it tastes.

Serving Suggestions

One Pot White Chicken Chili Mac and Cheese is a hearty dish that can be served on its own or paired with light sides. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some steamed vegetables would make a great complement, adding balance to the rich flavors of the dish.

If you’re serving this dish as part of a larger meal, consider pairing it with a light appetizer, such as a fresh vegetable dip or a bowl of spicy roasted nuts. A glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, would pair nicely with the creamy, slightly spicy flavors of the chili mac and cheese.

Nutritional Information

With approximately 703 kcal per serving, this dish is rich and indulgent, providing a hearty mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fats. The 47 grams of protein come from the chicken and cheese, while the 69 grams of carbohydrates provide ample energy. The 31 grams of fat, including 15 grams of saturated fat, make it a filling and satisfying meal, though it’s best enjoyed in moderation.

This dish also offers a modest amount of fiber (4 g) from the white beans and the poblano pepper, helping to balance out the richness. Additionally, the sodium content is on the higher side (1240 mg), so it’s best to enjoy this dish occasionally if you’re watching your sodium intake. The dish also provides essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium, making it a relatively balanced meal.

Conclusion

One Pot White Chicken Chili Mac and Cheese is a flavorful, comforting dish that combines the richness of mac and cheese with the bold, spicy flavors of white chicken chili. The creamy, cheesy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta come together to create a hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, with the convenience of one-pot cooking, this dish is as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a filling comfort food dish, this chili mac and cheese is sure to satisfy your cravings.