Creamy Chicken Macaroni Recipe – Paprika & Spice Blend

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Creamy Chicken Macaroni Recipe – Paprika & Spice Blend

Introduction

Oh, macaroni and cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food, isn’t it? But sometimes, you crave a little more. A little spice, a little protein, a little something to make it a complete meal. That’s where this Creamy Chicken Macaroni recipe comes in! I first made this when my kids were begging for mac and cheese, but I wanted to sneak in some extra goodness. It’s become a family favourite, and I’m so excited to share it with you. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavour – perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cosy weekend meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average mac and cheese. We’re taking it up a notch with tender chicken, colourful capsicums, and a warm, aromatic spice blend. It’s creamy, comforting, and satisfying – everything you want in a good meal. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this deliciousness:

• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 300-400 gm boneless chicken, cut into strips
• 1 cup capsicum strips (green, red, orange, yellow)
• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 1 tbsp paprika powder
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp chilli powder
• 1 tsp black pepper powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 400 gm macaroni
• 1 cup milk
• 3 cups water
• ½ cup cream cheese (optional)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips from my kitchen to yours:

• Olive Oil Varieties & Quality: I prefer using extra virgin olive oil for its flavour, but any good quality olive oil will work.
• Chicken Cut & Marination Options: Chicken breast or thigh both work beautifully. For extra flavour, you can marinate the chicken in a little yoghurt and spice mix for about 30 minutes before cooking.
• Capsicum (Bell Pepper) Colour & Flavour Profiles: Don’t be shy with the colours! Different coloured capsicums offer slightly different sweetness levels. I love a mix for visual appeal and flavour.
• Spice Blend – Paprika, Chilli & Cumin Origins: Paprika adds a lovely smoky sweetness, chilli brings the heat, and cumin provides that warm, earthy base. Feel free to adjust the chilli powder to your liking! These spices are staples in Indian cooking, and they work wonderfully together.
• Macaroni Types – Elbows vs. Other Shapes: While elbows are classic, you can use any short pasta shape you prefer – penne, shells, or rotini would all be great.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chicken strips, capsicum, and chopped onion. Sauté until the chicken is lightly browned and the vegetables are slightly wilted – about 5-7 minutes.
2. Now, sprinkle in the paprika powder, garlic powder, chilli powder, black pepper, and cumin powder. Sauté for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This blooms the spices and releases their flavour.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, ensuring everything is evenly coated. This adds a lovely depth of flavour and a beautiful colour.
4. Add the macaroni, milk, and water to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then season with salt.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the macaroni is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking!
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, stir in the cream cheese for an extra creamy texture. It’s totally optional, but oh-so-good!
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more milk or water.
• For a richer flavour, use full-fat milk.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or lentils, use plant-based milk, and omit the cream cheese.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation (Macaroni Alternatives): Use gluten-free macaroni or pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Reduce or increase the amount of chilli powder to control the heat. A pinch of cayenne pepper can also add a kick!
• One-Pot Variation: For easier cleanup, you can cook everything in one large pot. Just add the macaroni along with the water and milk and simmer until cooked.
• Festival Adaptations (Comfort Food for Celebrations): This is a great dish to serve during festivals like Diwali or Eid. It’s comforting, flavourful, and sure to be a hit with everyone.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Chicken Macaroni is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• A simple green salad
• Garlic bread
• Roasted vegetables

Storage Instructions

• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore the creamy texture.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best in this recipe? Both chicken breast and thigh work well. Thighs are a bit more forgiving if overcooked and have a richer flavour.
• Can I use a different type of pasta instead of macaroni? Absolutely! Penne, shells, or rotini are all great alternatives.
• How can I adjust the spice level of this dish? Simply adjust the amount of chilli powder. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.
• Can this be made ahead of time? You can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Then, just add the macaroni and liquid when you’re ready to cook.
• Is it possible to freeze leftovers? Yes, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing.
• What is the best way to prevent the macaroni from sticking together? Stir the macaroni frequently while it’s simmering and add a little oil to the cooking water.