Creamy Mac & Cheese, Mashed Potatoes & Seared Chicken 🍗🧀
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~640 kcal
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into chunks) 🍗
2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder 🧄
Salt & black pepper, to taste 🧂
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) 🌿
For the Mac & Cheese:
250g elbow macaroni 🍝
2 tbsp butter 🧈
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (warm) 🥛
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
Salt & black pepper, to taste 🧂
For the Mashed Potatoes:
500g potatoes, peeled & cut into chunks 🥔
3 tbsp butter 🧈
1/3 cup milk 🥛
Salt & black pepper, to taste 🧂
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) 🌿
👩🍳 Instructions
Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in warm milk until smooth. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper. Toss with macaroni.
Prepare mashed potatoes: Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (15–18 minutes). Drain, mash with butter and milk until fluffy. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley.
Cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sear 6–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 74°C / 165°F).
Assemble plate: Serve mac & cheese, mashed potatoes, and chicken side by side. Garnish chicken and potatoes with fresh parsley.
🔄 Tips & Variations
Use sharp cheddar or a cheddar–mozzarella mix for extra creaminess.
Add roasted garlic to mashed potatoes for deeper flavor.
Swap chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu for variety.