Mac n Cheese with Chicken, Broccoli and Mushrooms (Lunch box friendly)

I have always been asked to share lunch box ideas and recipes. A few days back I happened to post this Mac n Cheese that I kept in my girl's lunch box. Since there was a lot of requests for the same, I thought to share it as a video. So finally here you go! This recipe is delicious and you may deduct the veggies or chicken (protein) from the recipe. I added them so that the meal is wholesome and filling. I love how versatile Mac n Cheese is. No matter how wrong you make it, you can't go wrong with this one!

 

To make your morning packing easier, you may boil and keep the pasta in the fridge for easier cooking in the morning. Usually, all purpose flour is used as aa thickening agent, but here, I haven't used any! As cooking down the milk makes the sauce thick. Also, if you plan to cook this, you may make it less thicker and saucier by decreasing the boiling time of the milk. I like to cook up the milk well, so that it is mess free and non sticky when the Mac n Cheese cools down.

 

Make this for your kid's lunch box and see how they bring back an empty box. What makes a mommy happier than seeing their kids finish their lunch boxes?! =D

Also you may add chopped onions (or onion powder) to the butter before adding the veggies for better flavor, and if your child dislikes the flavor of garlic, feel free to not add garlic too. Still tastes amazing!!

Ingredients :

• 1 cup Elbow pasta
• 4 cups Boiling water
• Salt, as required 
• 1/2 cup Broccoli, chopped
• 1/2 cup Mushrooms, chopped
• 2 small Garlic cloves, finely chopped (optional)
• 100 gms Chicken Breast, sliced
• 2 tbsp Butter
• 1/2 tsp White Pepper Powder
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4- 1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
• A dash of Oregano

Instructions:

1. In a pot boil water, add salt and boil pasta according to package instructions ( do not over cook), drain and set aside.
2. In a pan, add butter and finely chopped garlic, sauté for a few seconds and add in chicken breast pieces.
3. Next add white pepper powder and salt as required. Sauté for around 5 minutes. 
4. Move the chicken pieces to a side on the pan itself and add another tbsp of butter and add in your mushrooms and sauté well with a dash of water to chele cook the mushroom easily. Add broccoli and salt as required.
5. Next add the milk and allow to come to a boil, and add in the shredded cheddar cheese. Allow the sauce to thicken well.
6. Finally finish off with a dash of Oregano and add in your pasta and combine everything well and enjoy! Bon appetite!

 

Notes:

If you want it saucier do not boil the milk for too long, the cheese will help bind the sauce together.

Do try this recipe and don't forget to share your experience/feedback with me here in the comments or feel free to send me a mail. Also, do tag me at #taystedit if you try out my recipes on Facebook, Instagram etc so that I can see when you make it. ♡♡♡♡