Go Back
Dolly Parton's 5-Ingredient Mac and Cheese Casserole served in a dish

5-Ingredient Casserole

A delightful mac and cheese casserole featuring a perfect blend of macaroni, chicken, cream cheese, and cheddar, creating a comforting and easy-to-make dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups Macaroni pasta Cook according to package instructions.
  • 2 cups Cooked and shredded chicken Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for easier preparation.
  • 8 oz Cream cheese Ensure it is at room temperature for better mixing.
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese Used in two parts: half for mixing and half for topping.
  • 1 cup Chicken broth Adds moisture and flavor to the dish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large pot, cook the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream cheese, and half of the cheddar cheese. Stir until well blended.
  4. Add the cooked pasta to the chicken mixture and pour in the chicken broth. Mix everything together until combined.
  5. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  6. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
Baking
  1. Bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  2. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

This casserole can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. It can be frozen before or after baking. Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Variations include adding veggies like broccoli or substituting chicken with ground beef.