Best 2 Easy Mac And Cheese Veggie Chicken Casserole From Country Crock Recipes

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our delightful Mac and Cheese Veggie Chicken Casserole from Country Crock. This delectable dish combines the classic flavors of macaroni and cheese with tender chicken, an array of colorful vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. Our recipe collection features variations to suit every preference, including a classic version, a lightened-up version with Greek yogurt, and a vegetarian version packed with flavorful veggies. Each recipe is easy to follow, with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure a perfect casserole every time. Whether you're looking for a hearty family meal, a cozy dinner for two, or a satisfying potluck dish, our Mac and Cheese Veggie Chicken Casserole is sure to be a hit.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

VEGGIE MACARONI & CHEESE

Veggie Macaroni & Cheese image

This creamy mac and cheese definitely doesn't come from a box! Fresh veggies add crunch and color and will leave everyone saying, "More, please!" -Marsha Morril, Harrisburg, Oregon

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Side Dishes

Time 45m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 cups fresh cauliflowerets
3 large carrots, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
2 celery ribs, sliced
1 tablespoon butter
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup 2% milk
1 cup chicken broth
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. In a 6-qt. stockpot, cook macaroni according to package directions, adding broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and celery during the last 6 minutes of cooking. Drain; transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish., Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat butter over medium-high heat; saute onion until tender. Stir in flour until blended. Gradually stir in milk and broth; bring to a boil. Cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes; stir in cheese, mustard, salt and pepper. , Add to macaroni mixture, stirring to coat; sprinkle with paprika. Bake, uncovered, until heated through, 15-20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 200 calories, Fat 11g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 33mg cholesterol, Sodium 391mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 10g protein.

EASY MAC AND CHEESE VEGGIE CHICKEN CASSEROLE FROM COUNTRY CROCK®

Easy Mac and Cheese Veggie Chicken Casserole from Country Crock® image

Cooked pasta is combined with cheese, diced cooked chicken, and veggies then popped in the oven for a quick, family-pleasing, one-dish dinner.

Provided by Country Crock®

Categories Country Crock®

Time 40m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

4 tablespoons Country Crock® Spread, melted, divided
1 cup 2% milk
8 ounces dry rotini pasta, cooked and drained
2 cups diced cooked chicken
4 cups assorted frozen vegetables, thawed
2 ¼ cups finely shredded low-fat Cheddar cheese
¼ cup plain dry bread crumbs
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Combine 3 tablespoons Country Crock® Spread, milk, rotini, chicken, vegetables and cheddar cheese in 8-inch baking dish.
Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and remaining Spread in small bowl; sprinkle over top of casserole.
Bake until heated through and crumbs are toasted, about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 413.7 calories, Carbohydrate 47.1 g, Cholesterol 36.3 mg, Fat 12.4 g, Fiber 5.8 g, Protein 29.2 g, SaturatedFat 4.4 g, Sodium 466.4 mg, Sugar 3.6 g

Tips:

Use a good quality cheese: A sharp cheddar or Gruyère will give your mac and cheese a rich, flavorful taste. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it doesn't melt as well.
Cook the pasta al dente: This means that the pasta should be cooked until it is just tender, but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and won't hold its shape in the casserole.
Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken the cheese sauce. This will help to prevent the sauce from becoming too thin and runny.
Use milk or cream: Milk or cream will help to make the cheese sauce smooth and creamy. You can use whole milk, low-fat milk, or even almond milk or soy milk. If you use cream, be sure to use heavy cream, as light cream will not thicken the sauce as well.
Add your favorite vegetables: This recipe calls for broccoli and carrots, but you can really add any vegetables that you like. Some other good options include cauliflower, zucchini, peas, and spinach.
Don't overcook the casserole: The casserole should be baked until it is bubbly and the cheese is melted and gooey. Be careful not to overcook it, as this will make the pasta dry and tough.

Conclusion:

This easy mac and cheese veggie chicken casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is also a great way to use up leftover chicken or vegetables. With a few simple tips, you can make a mac and cheese casserole that is sure to please everyone at the table.