If you’ve ever yearned for a cozy dinner bursting with flavor yet ready at top speed, you’ll adore this 10-Minute Healthy Macaroni With Chicken. It’s the kind of meal that honors humble pantry ingredients, turning them into a silky, cheesy, herb-laced dish that disappears from plates in minutes. Think tender shredded chicken, juicy tomatoes, creamy pockets of mozzarella, and a delightful pop of fresh dill — all bathed in an irresistible tomato sauce and tossed with al dente macaroni. This is one of those lightning-fast comfort recipes you’ll want in regular rotation, whether you’re feeding a busy family or just need a nourishing bowl after a long day.

10-Minute Healthy Macaroni With Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, adding its own magic touch — from the luscious tomatoes bringing brightness, to dill’s herbal zip, and that glorious chicken for heartiness. Each addition enhances taste and texture, ensuring your 10-Minute Healthy Macaroni With Chicken is anything but ordinary.

Macaroni: Choose a quick-cooking version to keep this dish truly speedy and absorb all the sauce beautifully.
Cooked chicken, shredded: Using ready-cooked or rotisserie chicken saves time and adds protein-packed tenderness.
Mozzarella: Melts into gooey ribbons, creating a velvety, creamy sauce that clings to every bite.
Tomatoes, chopped: Give the sauce a fresh, chunky texture, balancing richness with a juicy burst.
Dill, chopped: Adds a fragrant, lemony freshness that lifts the whole dish and pairs perfectly with chicken.
Garlic cloves: Delivers a gentle aromatic punch, infusing the sauce with irresistible depth.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps coax all the flavors together as the base for your sauce.
Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor for a beautiful, savory depth and color.
Salt to taste: Brings all the flavors into perfect harmony — season to your liking!

How to Make 10-Minute Healthy Macaroni With Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

If you’re working with bone-in chicken thighs, take a moment to remove the bones first. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces—this step is key for ultra-tender, satisfying bites throughout your macaroni. Using already cooked or leftover chicken makes this process a breeze!

Step 2: Build the Tomato Sauce

In a roomy non-stick pan, add your shredded chicken, chopped tomatoes, olive oil, and minced garlic. Sauté everything over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tomatoes break down a little and everything starts smelling like a fresh, homemade tomato sauce. The chicken picks up so much flavor at this stage!

Step 3: Simmer with Macaroni and Dill

Pour in about 1/4 cup of water, add the tomato paste, then sprinkle in some salt to taste. Give it all a good stir, then add your macaroni and chopped dill directly to the pan. Make sure the macaroni is just covered (not swimming) in the luscious sauce so it cooks evenly and soaks up all those flavors. If needed, add a splash more water.

Step 4: Cook the Macaroni

Let everything simmer gently until your macaroni is perfectly al dente — this usually just takes about 3 minutes with a quick-cook brand. Be sure to stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom and the sauce stays creamy. The noodles absorb the tomato and chicken flavors as they cook, making every bite count.

Step 5: Make it Cheesy

When the macaroni is just right, stir in your mozzarella. In seconds, it’ll melt dreamily, swirling throughout the sauce and binding everything into a cheesy, tomato-rich delight. The result is unbelievably creamy, with gorgeous strings of cheese in every forkful.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

This 10-Minute Healthy Macaroni With Chicken is at its best served piping hot so the mozzarella stays melty and the aromas fill your kitchen. Dish it up straight from the pan — dinner is ready in a flash!

How to Serve 10-Minute Healthy Macaroni With Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra chopped dill or a pinch of fresh parsley on top adds a world of color and freshness. For those who like a little extra zing, a dusting of cracked black pepper or a light grating of parmesan can make your 10-Minute Healthy Macaroni With Chicken even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

This dish truly shines alongside a crisp green salad dressed in a simple lemon vinaigrette or a plate of oven-roasted veggies. If you’re feeling cozy, pair it with warm, crusty bread to soak up the saucy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Make it a stunning centerpiece by serving your macaroni in colorful bowls or skillets right from the stovetop. Individual ramekins give a touch of elegance, while a family-style platter lets everyone dig in and go back for seconds of this 10-Minute Healthy Macaroni With Chicken.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any extra macaroni into an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days without losing its comforting texture or flavor, so you can enjoy a quick meal another day.

Freezing

If you’d like to save some for later, 10-Minute Healthy Macaroni With Chicken is freezer-friendly! Package in single-serving containers for quick lunches, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To keep the sauce creamy, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen things up as it warms. A quick zap in the microwave also works well — just be sure to cover to retain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Short shapes like penne or fusilli work well, just keep in mind the cooking time may vary, so adjust the simmering stage accordingly for perfectly tender noodles.

What’s the best way to shred the chicken for this dish?

I love using two forks to pull the chicken apart into bite-sized pieces, but you can also use your hands if you’re in a hurry. Even small chunks work—the sauce brings it all together.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

You can skip the chicken and toss in sautéed mushrooms, chickpeas, or even chunks of roasted eggplant. Either way, you’ll keep this 10-Minute Healthy Macaroni With Chicken vibrant and hearty.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Simply use your favorite dairy-free mozzarella alternative or leave out the cheese entirely and finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for extra savory goodness.

How do I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic or finish with a dash of hot sauce before serving. This little twist gives your 10-Minute Healthy Macaroni With Chicken a wonderful kick!

Final Thoughts

Give this speedy, flavor-packed 10-Minute Healthy Macaroni With Chicken a try when you need something comforting and wholesome in a hurry. It’s a recipe everyone will ask for again and again—simple, quick, and loaded with fresh ingredients. I can’t wait to hear how it becomes a new staple in your kitchen!

10-Minute Healthy Macaroni With Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Low Calorie

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Description

This 10-Minute Healthy Macaroni With Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, fresh tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella for a satisfying meal in no time.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1/2 cup macaroni
1 1/2 cup cooked chicken, shredded
1/2 cup mozzarella
3 tomatoes, chopped
2 strings dill, chopped
2 garlic cloves
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp tomato paste
Salt to taste

Instructions

Remove the bones from the chicken thighs. Place the chicken, chopped tomatoes, olive oil, and minced garlic in a non-stick pan. Cook at medium-high for 3-4 minutes until it resembles a tomato sauce.
Add water, tomato paste, salt, macaroni, and dill. Ensure the macaroni is just covered in the sauce. Cook until the macaroni is tender.
Stir in the mozzarella. Allow it to melt and create a cheesy tomato sauce.
Serve immediately.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian