• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Restless Chipotle

  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Start Here
    • Ingredients Substitutions
    • Tips for Measuring Ingredients Accurately
  • About
  • Shop
  • Your Recipe Box
  • Meal Plans
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • My Recipes
  • Meal Plans
  • Start Here!
  • Videos
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • Recipe Box
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • My Recipes
  • Meal Plans
  • Start Here!
  • Videos
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • Recipe Box
×

Home » Recipes » Pasta Recipes

Spicy Chicken Mac and Cheese

Published: Dec 22, 2022 Last Updated: Jan 6, 2023 by Marye 1443 words. | About 8 minutes to read this article.

This spicy chicken mac and cheese recipe makes a quick and easy weeknight meal. A creamy salsa verde queso covers rotini pasta and bite sized pieces of tender chicken breast. This Tex-Mex skillet dinner is perfect for those nights when you need a hearty dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes.
Total time 25 minutes
Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe
A serving of chicken mac & cheese being removed from the skillet with a text overlay for Pinterest.

Enjoy this easy skillet dinner - it's sure to be a family favorite!

Don't want to scroll through the page to get to the recipe? Use the table of contents to click on the section you want to go to.

A serving of mac and cheese being spooned up from a pan.
Jump to:
  • ❤️ Why you'll love it
  • 🧾 Ingredients
  • 🔪 Instructions
  • 🥫 Storage
  • 📖 Variations
  • 💭 Things to know
  • 👩‍🍳 FAQs
  • 📚 Related recipes
  • 🍽️ Serve with...
  • 📞 The last word
  • Spicy Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

❤️ Why you'll love it

  • Creamy macaroni is kicked up a notch with salsa verde and chicken.
  • Perfect for busy weeknights, as it takes just under 30 minutes to make.
  • The mild heat from the salsa paired with the sharp cheddar cheese makes this flavorful dish a delight to eat.

Homemade macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort meal for the whole family, and this spicy chicken mac and cheese takes things to the next level. Plus, it can be served either on its own or with a side salad or leftover roasted veggies, so it's a great option any day of the week!

🧾 Ingredients

This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the green recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

Salsa verde chicken mac & cheese ingredients.

🔪 Instructions

This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions are in the green recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Steps showing how to cook the chicken for this recipe.
  1. Cube the chicken breasts.
  2. Add the seasoning and toss to coat.
  3. While cooking the pasta according to the package directions, add the chicken to a heavy frying pan.
  4. Cook chicken until done and remove to another dish. Set aside.
Steps for making the sauce for salsa verde chicken mac and cheese.
  1. In the same pan, whisk melted butter and flour.
  2. Add the evaporated milk and cook until thickened into a creamy sauce.
  3. Whisk in the cheese and salsa Verde.
  4. Stir in the cooked rotini and chicken and serve.

🥫 Storage

With a meal this delicious, even the picky eaters will ask for seconds. If you happen to have leftovers, this chicken mac and cheese casserole recipe will taste even better the next day.

Refrigerator Storage: The leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Once it has cooled, move the leftovers to an airtight container.

Freezer Storage: Salsa verde chicken mac and cheese is a great dish to make ahead of time and freeze for future meals. Prepare as instructed, allow the cheese sauce to cool completely, and portion into airtight containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to three months.

To reheat, remove the leftovers from the refrigerator and warm them on the stove or in the microwave. If reheating from the freezer, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm on the stovetop over medium heat.

Overhead view of salsa verde mac and cheese in the pan.

📖 Variations

  • Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. If you are in a hurry, you can use fully-cooked rotisserie chicken.
  • If you want a traditional mac and cheese look, skip the rotini and use elbow macaroni noodles.
  • Substitute the salsa verde for your favorite salsa.
  • Want it with more spice? Add a little bit of hot sauce or buffalo sauce to make buffalo chicken mac.
  • Add crispy bacon or pancetta for extra flavor and crunch.
  • Use Mozzarella cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, or a Mexican blend instead of Monterey jack to give it an even cheesier flavor. Adding Parmesan cheese adds another layer of flavor.
  • Substitute the chicken for chorizo for some extra spice.
  • To make it even more delicious, add a layer of buttered panko bread crumbs on top before baking.
  • Add chopped bell peppers, jalapenos, or other vegetables.
  • For added color, top the dish with a sprinkle of chopped scallions or diced tomatoes.

Have you tried my Rotel chicken spaghetti, yet? It's SO good and a reader favorite.

💭 Things to know

Expert Tip: Make sure to cook the noodles al dente. Over-cooked noodles will not hold up in this recipe.

  • Use freshly grated cheese for optimal flavor and texture.
  • Stir in an additional tablespoon of butter at the end to give it an extra creamy texture.
  • For a healthier option, use low-fat or no-fat cheese and swap the cream with plain Greek yogurt.
  • Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to blend and give you a perfect creamy texture.

👩‍🍳 FAQs

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely. Kids will love the mild heat from the salsa and the sharpness of the cheddar cheese. If your kids don't like too much spice, you can always substitute the salsa verde with a milder version.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

It's easy to make this into a vegetarian or even vegan dish. Just skip the chicken and use extra cheese or veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, jalapenos, or zucchini. You can also use vegan cheese, vegan butter, and an evaporated milk substitute to make it dairy-free.

Can this be served as a side dish?

Absolutely. Spicy chicken mac and cheese makes a great side dish to any main course meal. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or a salad for a complete meal.

Can I use low-fat cheese for this mac and cheese?

Yes, you can certainly substitute full-fat cheese with a lower-fat version. The flavor and texture may be slightly different, but it will still taste delicious.

Overhead view of a plate of mac and cheese.

📚 Related recipes

  • This Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is like a trip down memory lane. With its tender macaroni, buttery breadcrumbs, and luscious strings of gooey cheese, each spoonful of the creamy, comforting dish will transport you to days gone by.
  • Angel Chicken Mac & Cheese is the perfect way to transform your family's beloved Angel Chicken into a delectable dish the whole crew will adore. The creamy chicken recipe is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
  • Southern Crockpot Mac & Cheese is a southern classic that is made even easier by using the slow cooker. No precooking is required on this creamy family favorite.
  • Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
  • Mac and Cheese with Pulled Pork
  • No Peek Chicken Recipe
  • Garlic Bread Casserole

🍽️ Serve with...

  • Maple Roasted Carrots
  • Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad
  • Cornbread
  • Mexican Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

📞 The last word

If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need. Don't forget that you can click on "add to collection" to save it to your own, private recipe box!

If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Salsa verde mac and cheese feature image.
4.67 from 3 votes

Spicy Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Print Pin Recipe Save Go to Collections
Prevent your screen from going dark
This spicy chicken mac and cheese recipe makes a quick and easy weeknight meal. A creamy salsa verde queso covers rotini pasta and bite sized pieces of tender chicken breast. This Tex-Mex skillet dinner is perfect for those nights when you need a hearty dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes.
Course Main Dish (Quick and Easy)
Cuisine American - Southwest
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings:8
Calories:587
Author:Marye Audet-White
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Equipment Needed

  • Iron Skillet

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces rotini pasta, cooked
  • olive oil
  • 1-½ pounds chicken breast, cubed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ cup butter
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 14 ounces evaporated milk
  • 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1-½ cups salsa verde
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ cup cilantro, chopped

I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta in boiling, salted water until done.
  • Drain.
  • Set aside.
  • Season the chicken with salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  • Set aside.
  • Heat the olive oil in a heavy frying pan.
  • Add the chicken and cook until the chicken is 160F in the center.
  • Remove the chicken from the frying pan and set aside.
  • Melt the butter in the heavy frying pan.
  • Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.
  • Add the evaporated milk and whisk until smooth and no lumps remain.
  • Simmer, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
  • Add the cheese and stir until smooth.
  • Add the salsa verde and cumin.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings.
  • Stir the chicken into the sauce.
  • Finally stir in the rotini pasta and the cilantro.
  • Sprinkle with more cilantro before serving.

Notes

Refrigerator Storage: The leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Once it has cooled, move the leftovers to an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap.
Freezer Storage: Salsa verde chicken mac and cheese is a great dish to make ahead of time and freeze for future meals. Prepare as instructed, allow the cheese sauce to cool completely, and portion into airtight containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to three months.
To Reheat:
To reheat, remove the leftovers from the refrigerator and warm them on the stove or in the microwave. If reheating from the freezer, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm on the stovetop over medium heat.
Tips:
  • Make sure to cook the noodles al dente. Over-cooked noodles will not hold up in this recipe.
  • Use freshly grated cheese for optimal flavor and texture.
  • Stir in an additional tablespoon of butter at the end to give it an extra creamy texture.
  • For a healthier option, use low-fat or no-fat cheese and swap the cream with plain Greek yogurt.
  • Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to blend and give you a perfect creamy texture.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 587kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Sodium: 849mg | Potassium: 550mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 952IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 482mg | Iron: 2mg

Sign up for the emails and never miss another recipe!!

    We'll never share your email or send you spam. Pinkie swear.

    First published November 14, 2016. Last updated December 22, 2022 for better images and readability plus more tips.

    More Perfect Pasta

    • Mom's Noodles Romanoff
    • Pasta con Broccoli
    • One Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe
    • Ham Tetrazzini
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    About Marye

    With a 40 year focus on the importance of family and a passion for southern comfort food, Marye Audet-White is an expert in melding the two together effortlessly. Marye's a NY Times Bestselling author with 10 cookbooks under her belt and her recipes have been featured in Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Today, House Beautiful, Texas Living, Food & Wine, and many more.

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Love it? Give it 5 stars!




    Primary Sidebar

    Marye Audet-White, founder of Restless Chipotle Media

    Hey Y'all, I'm Marye.

    NY Times bestselling author. 10 cookbooks. Mom of 8 kids. Homeschooling mom for 22 years. Addicted to Hallmark Christmas Movies.

    More about me →

    ❤️Valentine's Day

    • Red Velvet Puppy Chow for Valentine's Day
    • 50 Red Velvet Recipes for Every Occasion
    • Red Velvet Bundt Cake
    • 10 Best Chocolate Gifts

    👑 Reader Favorites

    • Crispy Fried Potatoes
    • English Muffin Bread Recipe
    • No Fail Amish White Bread
    • Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

    Valentine's Day Dessert Ideas

    (Just click on the button at the bottom of each page to see the recipe)

    Valentine's Day Dessert Ideas

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • About Marye Audet-White
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy
    MaryeAudet Whiteandherchildren Dec

    Featured in:

    Companies that Marye Audet-White and Restless Chipotle have been affiliated with.

    Contact Marye

    • Contact

    My new blog for bread bakers:

    Love baking bread? Click here to check out my new blog!

    Logo for breadcrumbs in the butter blog.
    Check out my new blog!

    Copyright ©2006 - 2023 Restless Chipotle Media, LLC