Filipino-style Chicken Baked Macaroni
Baked Macaroni with Chicken is a Filipino-style pasta dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Hearty, cheesy, and delicious, it's sure to wow the crowd.
- Prep time
- 10 min
- Cook time
- 1 hr
- Yield
- 12 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 1 pound small elbow macaroni
- 3 pounds chicken breast or thigh meat
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 onion, peeled and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 8 ounces fresh button mushrooms, sliced thinly
- 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded, cored and chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, seeded, cored and chopped
- 1 package (34 ounces) sweet-style spaghetti sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 cube chicken bouillon
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
- 12 ounces quick melt cheese, shredded
Instructions
- 1
In a large pot over medium heat, bring about 4 quarts salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook 1 to 2 minutes less than package's directions. Rinse under cold running water and drain well. Set aside.
- 2
In a small, heavy-bottomed pot, arrange chicken breasts in a single layer. Add enough water to cover, salt and peppercorns.
- 3
Bring to a boil, skimming scum that floats on top. Lower heat, cover, and cook in a barely a simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes or until thermometer inserted in the thickest part of chicken reads 165 F.
- 4
With a slotted spoon, remove chicken from heat and allow to cool to touch. Coarsely shred chicken and keep warm.
- 5
In a large pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add onions and garlic, and cook until softened.
- 6
Add mushrooms and bell peppers and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes or until softened.
- 7
Add spaghetti sauce and water. Bring to a boil.
- 8
Add chicken bouillon, Italian seasonings, and salt and pepper to taste. Lower heat, cover, and simmer until slightly thickened.
- 9
Add chicken and continue to cook for about 3 to 5 minutes or until heated through.
- 10
Preheat oven to 375 F.
- 11
In a large bowl, combine macaroni and sauce. Gently toss together until well-combined.
- 12
Lightly grease the bottom and sides of a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Transfer pasta-meat mixture into prepared dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.
- 13
Bake in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes or until hot and cheese is melted.
- 14
Remove from oven and allow to cool for about 7 to 10 minutes before cutting into serving portions.