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Simple protein butter chicken with mac and cheese served hot

Simple Protein Butter Chicken With Mac and Cheese

  • Author: Savannah
  • Total Time: ~40–45 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A creamy, cheesy mac and cheese infused with rich butter chicken flavors and high-protein chicken. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a meal-prep favorite, this recipe combines classic comfort food with a protein boost. Can be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker for extra convenience.

Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients (serves 4–6):

For the Butter Chicken:

  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

  • 1 teaspoon garam masala

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • ½ teaspoon turmeric

  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)

  • 1 cup tomato puree

  • ½ cup Greek yogurt or light cream

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Mac and Cheese:

  • 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni or protein-enriched pasta

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

  • 1 ½ cups milk

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped

  • Red chili flakes

Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make Butter Chicken
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant. Add spices (garam masala, cumin, turmeric, chili) and cook 1–2 minutes. Stir in tomato puree and simmer 5 minutes. Add chicken and cook until done, about 8–10 minutes. Stir in Greek yogurt or cream. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Prepare Cheese Sauce
In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Add cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Combine
Mix cooked pasta with cheese sauce. Gently fold in butter chicken. Top with extra cheese if desired and let sit 2–3 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 5: Serve
Garnish with cilantro or chili flakes and serve hot.

Notes

  • Slow Cooker Option: Combine all butter chicken ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low 4–6 hours before folding into cooked pasta and cheese sauce.

  • Protein Boost: Use protein-enriched pasta or add extra chicken.

  • Make Ahead: Cheese sauce and chicken can be made a day in advance; assemble and bake or heat before serving.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop / Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Indian-American Fusion

Find it online: https://www.eminentrecipes.com/simple-protein-butter-chicken-with-mac-and-cheese/