Who says comfort food can’t be bold and exciting? Our Butter Chicken Mac N Cheese is the ultimate fusion dish, blending the creamy, cheesy goodness of classic mac n cheese with the rich, spiced flavors of Indian butter chicken. It’s the kind of meal that warms your soul and takes your taste buds on a flavorful adventure.
This recipe is perfect for those nights when we’re craving something indulgent yet unique. The combination of tender chicken, a velvety tomato-based sauce, and gooey melted cheese creates a dish that’s both familiar and exotic. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners or a crowd-pleasing party dish.
Butter Chicken Mac N Cheese Recipe
Transform your comfort food game with this Butter Chicken Mac N Cheese — a creamy, cheesy pasta dish infused with the bold flavors of classic Indian butter chicken. Let us guide you step-by-step to bring this indulgent fusion dish to your table.
Ingredients
For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 large tomatoes, pureed
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cups diced cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Mac N Cheese:
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni or your pasta of choice
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk, warmed
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional for depth)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Paprika, for a pop of color
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Butter Chicken Sauce
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the pureed tomatoes. Stir in garam masala, ground coriander, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens and deepens in color.
- Lower the heat and mix in heavy cream and Greek yogurt until smooth.
- Toss in the diced chicken. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set the sauce aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the warmed milk. Keep stirring to avoid lumps and let it thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and add the cheeses (cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan) one at a time. Stir until melted and creamy. Mix in nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce.
- Gently fold in the butter chicken sauce. Ensure all the pasta is evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 5: Bake
- Sprinkle extra cheddar or Parmesan cheese on top for a golden crust.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and slightly golden on top.
Ingredients
Before we dive into preparing our delicious fusion of Butter Chicken Mac N Cheese, let’s gather everything we’ll need. Below, we’ve organized the ingredients into categories for easy preparation.
For The Butter Chicken
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 cup canned tomato puree
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, whisked
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
For The Mac N Cheese
- 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Optional Toppings
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, toasted
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese for topping
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- A pinch of smoked paprika, for extra flavor and presentation
Tools And Equipment
To make the Butter Chicken Mac N Cheese, we’ll need a few essential tools and equipment to streamline the process and ensure the dish turns out perfectly. Here’s our curated list:
Essential Tools
- Large Pot: For boiling the macaroni until al dente.
- Deep Skillet or Saucepan: To prepare the creamy butter chicken sauce.
- Medium Saucepan: For cooking the cheese sauce.
- Whisk: To create smooth sauces without clumps.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring and folding the sauces together effectively.
- Colander: To drain the cooked pasta efficiently.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Assembly and Baking Tools
- Large Mixing Bowl: To combine the pasta with the butter chicken and cheese sauces.
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish: For assembling and baking the final dish to perfection.
- Cheese Grater: To shred fresh cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses if not pre-shredded.
- Aluminum Foil: To cover the dish during baking if you prefer a softer top layer.
Optional Enhancements
- Microplane Grater: For finely grating fresh Parmesan or nutmeg.
- Broiler Function (on Oven): If you love an extra golden and bubbly top layer of cheese.
- Pastry Brush: To grease the baking dish evenly before assembly.
Quick Reference Table
| Tool/Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large Pot | Boiling macaroni to perfection |
| Deep Skillet/Saucepan | Cooking butter chicken sauce |
| Medium Saucepan | Preparing creamy cheese sauce |
| Whisk | Ensuring smooth, clump-free sauces |
| Wooden Spoon/Spatula | Stirring and folding ingredients |
| Colander | Draining macaroni thoroughly |
| Baking Dish (9×13-inch) | Assembling and baking the final dish |
| Cheese Grater | Shredding fresh cheese for better flavor |
Directions
Let’s bring together the rich flavors of Butter Chicken and the creamy comfort of Mac N Cheese in a few easy steps. Follow our detailed instructions to create this indulgent masterpiece.
Prep The Ingredients
- Chop and measure: Dice 1 medium onion, 4 garlic cloves, and a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger. Measure 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt, and 2 cups of cooked and diced chicken. Set aside.
- Prepare spices: In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon garam masala, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika.
- Boil macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 1 pound of elbow macaroni to ‘al dente’ as per package instructions. Drain and toss in a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Set up cheeses: Shred 2 cups of cheddar, 1 cup of mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Keep them separated for later use.
Cook The Butter Chicken
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add spices: Sprinkle in the prepared spice blend, stirring for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
- Simmer the sauce: Pour in 1 can (15 oz) of pureed tomatoes. Cook for 6-8 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Make it creamy: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt. Mix until smooth and combined.
- Finish with chicken: Add the diced cooked chicken to the sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare The Mac N Cheese Sauce
- Make the roux: In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Add milk gradually: Slowly pour in 3 cups of warmed milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Melt the cheese: Lower the heat and stir in 2 cups of cheddar cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan. Add 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and a pinch of ground nutmeg. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Combine Butter Chicken With Mac N Cheese
- Mix pasta and sauces: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, the hot cheese sauce, and the prepared butter chicken sauce. Stir to coat every piece of pasta evenly.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top and bake: Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Optionally, add 1/2 cup toasted panko breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
- Bake to perfection: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
| Step | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Prep Ingredients | Chop aromatics, measure sauces, boil and prep macaroni, and shred cheeses. |
| Cook Butter Chicken | Sauté spices, simmer creamy sauce, and cook chicken in spiced tomato base. |
| Prepare Mac N Cheese | Create a rich roux-based cheese sauce with combined cheeses and seasoning. |
| Assemble & Bake | Mix all, layer with toppings, and bake into a cohesive, golden comfort dish. |
Assemble And Serve
Now that both the Butter Chicken sauce and the cheese sauce are ready, and the macaroni has been cooked to al dente, it’s time to bring everything together for an irresistible fusion. Here’s how we assemble and serve this Butter Chicken Mac N Cheese step by step.
1. Combine the Pasta and Sauces
- In a large mixing bowl, place the cooked elbow macaroni.
- Pour the Butter Chicken sauce over the pasta, followed by the cheese sauce. Use a spatula to gently combine everything until the macaroni is fully coated with the rich, creamy sauces. Ensure the chicken and spices are evenly distributed throughout.
2. Transfer to the Baking Dish
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Transfer the macaroni mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly to create a smooth layer.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese on top to create a beautifully cheesy crust.
3. Add Optional Toppings
- For an added crunch and flavor, sprinkle toasted panko breadcrumbs over the cheese.
- Alternatively, dust the top with a light coating of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky aroma.
- Chop some fresh cilantro and scatter it over the surface to add a touch of color and freshness.
4. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the baking dish in the center rack of the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- For a crispier topping, switch to the broiler setting during the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a careful eye to avoid burning.
| Baking Settings | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Baking | 375°F (190°C) | 20-25 minutes |
| Optional Broiling (Top) | High Broil | 2-3 minutes (watch closely) |
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes to allow the sauces to settle.
- Scoop out a generous helping and garnish with more fresh cilantro or a pinch of grated Parmesan if desired.
This dish pairs well with a refreshing side salad or warm naan bread to soak up every bit of the luscious sauce. With its creamy texture, indulgent flavors, and golden topping, our Butter Chicken Mac N Cheese will impress both mac n cheese lovers and butter chicken enthusiasts alike.
Make-Ahead And Storage Tips
Preparing Butter Chicken Mac N Cheese ahead of time and storing it properly ensures you can enjoy this indulgent fusion dish even on busy days. Here are our tips for making it ahead and storing it for maximum freshness and flavor.
Make-Ahead Instructions
- Prepare components separately: Cook the Butter Chicken sauce and the cheese sauce independently. Boil the macaroni until just al dente and keep all components separate until assembling. This prevents the pasta from soaking up too much liquid and becoming mushy.
- Store properly: Allow all components to cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers. Label them clearly with the date.
- Assemble just before baking: To preserve the creamy texture and prevent the dish from drying out, combine the macaroni, sauces, and toppings only when you’re ready to bake.
Storage Tips for Leftovers
Refrigeration
- Store fully prepared and cooled Butter Chicken Mac N Cheese in an airtight container or tightly wrapped dish.
- It will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure to reheat portions only when you’re ready to eat.
Freezing
- For longer storage, this dish freezes beautifully. However, freeze before baking for the best results.
- How to freeze for best quality:
- Assemble the dish in a freezer-safe baking dish, omitting any toppings like breadcrumbs and smoked paprika until ready to bake.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. Label with the current date.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Guidelines
| Storage Type | Reheating Method | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated Leftovers | Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil. | Add a splash of milk or cream for moisture. |
| Refrigerated Leftovers | Microwave: Individual portions for 1-2 minutes on high. | Stir midway for even heating. |
| Frozen Dish (Unbaked) | Bake directly at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes, covered. Uncover for the last 10 minutes. | Thaw overnight in the fridge beforehand if preferred. |
Extra Tips for Storage Success
- Always cool the dish to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing to prevent excess condensation.
- To maintain the vibrant flavors of the Butter Chicken sauce, consider storing it separately and mixing it with the pasta only when reheating.
- For added freshness, sprinkle freshly grated cheese or breadcrumbs on top before reheating.
With these methods, your Butter Chicken Mac N Cheese will taste as indulgent and creamy as when first made.
Conclusion
Butter Chicken Mac N Cheese is the ultimate comfort food mashup that brings bold flavors and creamy textures to the table. It’s a dish that satisfies cravings for both Indian-inspired cuisine and classic mac n cheese, making it a standout choice for any occasion.
Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. With its rich, indulgent layers and easy-to-follow steps, it’s a meal we’ll find ourselves coming back to again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Butter Chicken Mac N Cheese?
Butter Chicken Mac N Cheese is a fusion dish that combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of classic mac n cheese with the rich, spiced flavors of Indian butter chicken. It’s an indulgent and flavorful recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
How do I make Butter Chicken Sauce?
The Butter Chicken sauce is made by sautéing butter, onions, garlic, and ginger, adding pureed tomatoes, spices, heavy cream, Greek yogurt, and diced cooked chicken. Simmer until creamy and well-seasoned.
What type of pasta should I use?
Elbow macaroni works best for this recipe, but you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like penne, shells, or cavatappi.
What cheeses are ideal for the mac n cheese?
The recipe uses a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese for a creamy and flavorful texture.
Can I prepare Butter Chicken Mac N Cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components (sauces and pasta) separately, store them in airtight containers, and assemble just before baking.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
Can I freeze Butter Chicken Mac N Cheese?
Yes, you can freeze the fully-assembled, unbaked dish in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
What are some optional toppings?
Optional toppings include toasted panko breadcrumbs, extra cheese, fresh cilantro, or smoked paprika for added flavor and texture.
What can I serve with Butter Chicken Mac N Cheese?
This dish pairs well with a fresh side salad, warm naan bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the chicken with paneer, tofu, or vegetables like cauliflower for a vegetarian version of the recipe.