
The WW Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese is healthy & tasty. We prepare it in just 45 minutes, so it is perfect to prepare for a quick dish. It contains whole-wheat elbow macaroni, cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, ranch dressing mix, chicken breast, turkey bacon, cheddar cheese, and low-fat milk. WW Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese is served with fresh garden salad, roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, and whole-wheat garlic bread. We would easily store this macaroni and cheese in the fridge or freezer, so we would easily make it in advance.
STATS:
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Diet: Weight Watchers
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Serving: 1 portion
- Cuisine: American
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Serving size: 12
- Course: Main
EQUIPMENT:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Cheese grater
- Oven
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- 9 × 13-inch baking dish
INGREDIENTS:
- ½ cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella cheese
- 16 oz whole-wheat elbow macaroni
- 1 can reduced-fat cream of chicken soup
- Half cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1½ cups cooked chicken breast
- Quarter cup crumbled turkey bacon
- 1 cup reduced-fat shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 oz softened reduced-fat cream cheese
- Half cup light sour cream
- 1 cup unsweetened low-fat milk
- Non-stick cooking spray.
INGREDIENT NOTES:
WHOLE-WHEAT ELBOW MACARONI:
- Utilize the whole-wheat elbow macaroni to prepare this macaroni and cheese, and it will provide a tender pasta texture. It will also hold the creamy cheese sauce perfectly and provide more fiber. We would also utilize regular elbow macaroni, chickpea pasta, or high-protein pasta instead if required.
REDUCED-FAT CREAM CHEESE:
- Include this to make the creamy sauce of the recipe. It will provide a smooth & rich texture with the classic cream cheese flavor while keeping the fat lower. We would also utilize light Neufchâtel cheese or fat-free cream cheese instead if required.
REDUCED-FAT CREAM OF CHICKEN SOUP:
- Add the reduced-fat cream of chicken soup to prepare this macaroni and cheese. It will provide a savory taste and creamy consistency. It will also help combine the chicken, macaroni, and cheese. We would also utilize homemade light cream of chicken soup or reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup instead if required.
LIGHT SOUR CREAM:
- Utilize the light sour cream to prepare the creamy sauce, and it will provide a smooth texture & slightly tangy taste. It will also balance the richness of the cream cheese and cheddar cheese. We would also utilize plain non-fat Greek yogurt instead if required.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- First, spray the dish lightly and warm the oven to 350° F.
- Boil the large pot of water and cook the macaroni as per package guidelines, then drain it.
- Mix softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and ranch dressing mix in the bowl.
- Include the chopped chicken breast and crumbled turkey bacon, then add the cooked macaroni to the creamy mixture.
- Pour the milk, then spread the macaroni mixture in the dish and sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.
- Lastly, bake the dish for thirty minutes, then cool it for five minutes and serve warm.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
SALADS:
- Classic Garden Salad
- Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
- Creamy Coleslaw
VEGETABLES:
- Garlic Roasted Broccoli
- Honey Roasted Carrots
- Parmesan Roasted Zucchini
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
SIDE DISHES:
- Steamed Green Beans
- Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
- Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges
- Air Fryer Asparagus
BREAD:
- Whole-Wheat Garlic Bread
- Homemade Dinner Rolls
- Whole-Wheat Breadsticks
TIPS:
- For better results, you should avoid overcooking the pasta in the oven.
- Use softened cream cheese at room temperature, then mix it to prevent lumps.
- Add freshly shredded cheese so it melts easily and smoothly in the dish.
- Pour in the milk carefully so the dish ends up with a thick and creamy consistency.
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- Put the dish in a closed box and store for four days.
FREEZER:
- Place the casserole in a container and freeze for two months.
FAQs:
Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the macaroni mixture and keep it in a sealed container for up to one day in advance.
Should I add rotisserie chicken to this recipe?
- Yes, you can add the chicken after shredding it to save prep time and make the dish quicker.
How to keep the macaroni from drying?
- You can avoid baking the casserole for too long and make sure the sauce fully coats the pasta.
What is a good substitute for sour cream?
- You can utilize plain non-fat Greek yogurt as another option if required.
Is it good to prepare this meal in a stovetop?
- Yes, you can prepare the chicken and cooked macaroni in the large pot.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
Calories: 340 kcal
Net carbs: 30 gWW Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese is a healthy dish ready in 45 minutes, & served with salad, roasted vegetables, and whole-wheat garlic bread.
Iron: 1.8 mg
Total carbs: 34 g
Vitamin A: 420 IU
Fiber: 4 g
Calcium: 220 mg
Protein: 25 g
Sodium: 780 mg
Potassium: 310 mg
Weight Watchers Points: 8 Points