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Butter chicken macaroni and cheese in a cast-iron skillet
TrendyTadka Editorial

Skillet Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese

Elbow macaroni, cooked chicken, cheddar, tomato paste, cream, and butter-chicken spices become a creamy one-skillet fusion dinner in 25 minutes.
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Prep Time 7 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian-American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups cooked chicken cut into bite-size pieces
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
  • 2 garlic cloves finely grated
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk warmed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 1/2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt plus more for pasta water
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Boil the macaroni in salted water for 1 minute less than package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium. Cook ginger and garlic for 30 seconds. Add tomato paste, garam masala, cumin, and paprika; stir for 1 minute until brick red.
  3. Sprinkle in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in warm milk, then cream. Simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce coats a spoon.
  4. Remove the skillet from direct heat. Add 2 cups cheddar by handfuls, stirring until smooth.
  5. Fold in macaroni and chicken. Return to low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, adding pasta water as needed, until the chicken reaches 165°F.
  6. Taste for salt, top with remaining cheddar and cilantro, cover for 1 minute to melt, and serve.

Notes

  • Warm milk incorporates faster than cold milk.
  • Do not use pre-shredded cheese if a smooth sauce is the priority.
  • Keep the sauce looser than seems necessary; pasta absorbs liquid.
  • Taste after adding rotisserie chicken before increasing salt.