One Pot White Chicken Chili Mac and Cheese

If you’ve ever wished for the comforting creaminess of mac and cheese with the zesty warmth of white chicken chili — this recipe is your dream come true. One Pot White Chicken Chili Mac and Cheese combines two comfort food favorites into a single, cozy, flavor-packed dish that’s creamy, spicy, and irresistibly cheesy.

It’s everything you want on a cool evening: hearty pasta, tender shredded chicken, smoky peppers, melted cheese, and a silky sauce infused with chili spices. And the best part? It all comes together in one pot — minimal mess, maximum comfort.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, hosting friends for game night, or just craving something soul-satisfying, this creamy, zesty pasta is guaranteed to hit the spot.

Introduction

This recipe is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just one pot and under an hour, you can create a meal that feels both familiar and exciting — the best of white chicken chili and mac and cheese in one creamy, slightly spicy creation.

The inspiration behind this dish is simple: combine the heartiness of chili with the indulgence of cheesy pasta. The result is rich and velvety, yet balanced with the freshness of poblano peppers, garlic, and salsa verde. It’s got depth, warmth, and a touch of heat that makes every bite better than the last.

Perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or cozy weekend dinners, this One Pot White Chicken Chili Mac and Cheese is a meal you’ll find yourself making again and again. Serve it straight from the pot, topped with green onions and fresh cilantro, and watch it disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One pot = easy cleanup: Everything cooks together, saving time and dishes.
• Comfort food fusion: Creamy mac meets spicy white chili for the best of both worlds.
• Hearty and filling: Packed with chicken, pasta, beans, and cheese — it’s a complete meal.
• Flavor-forward: Layers of poblano peppers, green chilies, garlic, and salsa verde bring depth and brightness.
• Customizable: Easily adjust spice, cheese, or toppings to your preference.
• Meal-prep friendly: Tastes even better reheated the next day.

Ingredients Breakdown

Yield: Serves 6
Total Time: 55 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 703 kcal

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons salted butter or olive oil – Adds richness and prevents sticking as you sauté the aromatics.
• 1 yellow onion, chopped – Sweet, aromatic base that enhances every layer of flavor.
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs – Protein-packed and tender once shredded.
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped – A key player in the chili’s savory backbone.
• 2 poblano peppers, seeded and chopped – Mild heat and smoky undertones.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin – Warm, earthy spice essential to chili flavor.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – Brings a hint of smokiness to balance the creamy sauce.
• ½ teaspoon chili powder – Adds a gentle heat and color.
• Salt and black pepper – Season to taste to enhance overall flavor.

Liquids & Base

• 4 cups broth – Provides the foundation for the sauce; use chicken broth for extra flavor.

Creamy & Cheesy Components

• 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature – Gives the sauce its luscious, silky texture.
• 2 cups shredded melty cheese (Colby, cheddar, or pepper jack) – Melts beautifully into the sauce for that perfect mac and cheese consistency.

Chili Add-Ins

• 1 can white beans, drained – Creamy, hearty texture and added protein.
• 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies – A burst of flavor and mild spice.
• ½ cup salsa verde – Adds tanginess and vibrant green chili flavor.

Pasta

• 1 pound short-cut pasta – Elbow macaroni, shells, or cavatappi work best to hold the sauce.

Garnishes

• Green onions and cilantro, for serving – Fresh and colorful finishing touches.

Tools & Equipment Needed

To make this creamy one-pot meal, you’ll need:

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven – Essential for even cooking and heat retention.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring the ingredients and scraping up browned bits.
• Tongs or forks – To shred the chicken easily.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accuracy in spices and liquids.
• Oven – Used for melting the final cheese topping.
• Oven-safe lid or foil – Optional, for covering the pot while baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps for a perfectly creamy, flavor-packed result.

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). You’ll use it later to melt the cheese topping to golden perfection.

2. Sauté Aromatics and Chicken

In a large pot over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil. Once hot, stir in the chopped onion and chicken. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is fragrant and the chicken starts to turn opaque.

3. Add Garlic, Peppers, and Spices

Next, stir in the 4 cloves of garlic, 2 chopped poblano peppers, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon chili powder. Season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and aromatic.

4. Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in 4 cups of broth, partially cover the pot, and let it simmer on medium-low heat for 5–10 minutes, just until the chicken is fully cooked through.

5. Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the pot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

6. Cook the Pasta

To the same pot, add 1 pound of pasta and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

7. Make It Creamy

Stir in the 4 ounces of cream cheese, letting it melt into the sauce. Add the shredded chicken, 1 can white beans, ½ cup salsa verde, and 1 can diced green chilies. Mix well, then add 1 cup of shredded cheese.

8. Bake Until Bubbly

Remove from heat, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top. Transfer the pot (oven-safe) to your preheated oven and bake for 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

9. Serve and Garnish

Spoon the pasta into bowls and top with green onions and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy the fusion of chili and cheesy comfort.

Tips & Variations

• Use thighs for juicier chicken: Boneless, skinless thighs stay tender and flavorful.
• Add veggies: Mix in corn, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
• Adjust the spice: Want more heat? Add extra chili powder, diced jalapeños, or pepper jack cheese.
• Make it lighter: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and less cheese for a lighter version.
• Add crunch: Top with crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs before baking.
• Vegetarian version: Swap chicken for chickpeas or extra beans and use vegetable broth.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This dish delivers the ultimate comfort combo:

• Taste: Savory, creamy, slightly smoky, and lightly spicy.
• Texture: Silky cheese sauce, tender pasta, and juicy shredded chicken.
• Aromatics: Notes of garlic, cumin, and roasted peppers with a hint of freshness from cilantro.

Drink Pairings:

• White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce.
• Beer: Try a light lager or wheat beer to balance the spice.
• Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling limeade or iced tea with honey pairs perfectly.

Side Dishes:

• Simple green salad with lime vinaigrette
• Roasted or grilled corn on the cob
• Warm cornbread or garlic bread
• Avocado slices or guacamole on the side

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	703 kcal
Protein	45g
Carbohydrates	45g
Total Fat	35g
Saturated Fat	18g
Fiber	5g
Sugar	6g
Sodium	780mg
Cholesterol	120mg

Dietary Notes: High-protein, nut-free, and can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

This recipe reheats beautifully, making it perfect for busy weeks.

• Make ahead: Prepare the recipe through step 7 (before baking), then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed.
• Store leftovers: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the oven with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
• Freeze: Portion cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Shred pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and skip the initial simmering step. Add it when the pasta is nearly done.

2. What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?
Short-cut pastas like elbow macaroni, shells, rotini, or cavatappi hold the creamy sauce best.

3. Can I make it spicier?
Definitely. Use hot salsa verde, extra green chilies, or swap in pepper jack for a spicy kick.

4. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes — freeze it after cooking, then reheat in the oven or on the stovetop. Add a little broth or milk to revive the sauce.

5. Can I skip the baking step?
You can! The bake step just melts and browns the cheese. If you prefer a stovetop-only version, stir all the cheese in until melted, then serve.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Task	Time
Prep	Chop onions, peppers, and garlic	10 min
Cook Chicken & Aromatics	Sauté with spices	10 min
Simmer	Cook chicken in broth	10 min
Cook Pasta	Boil and stir until al dente	10 min
Mix & Bake	Add cheeses, beans, and bake	15 min
Total Time	Approx. 55 minutes

Serving Suggestions

Serve your One Pot White Chicken Chili Mac and Cheese family-style, right from the pot. Sprinkle with extra cheese, fresh cilantro, and thinly sliced green onions for color.

Add a squeeze of lime for brightness, or spoon on a little sour cream to cool down the heat. For gatherings, set out bowls of toppings — diced avocado, jalapeños, tortilla strips, or crushed chips — and let everyone customize their bowl.

Recipe Variations

1. Creamy Southwest Mac: Add corn, black beans, and crushed tortilla chips for a Tex-Mex flair.
2. Extra Spicy Verde Mac: Use double the green chilies and pepper jack cheese.
3. Loaded Veggie Chili Mac: Mix in roasted corn, spinach, or zucchini for a veggie-packed twist.
4. Lighter Chili Mac: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and half the cheese for a healthier option.

Ingredient Spotlight: Poblano Peppers

Poblano peppers are mild, flavorful chili peppers often used in Mexican cooking. They bring a deep, earthy flavor without overpowering heat — perfect for dishes that need balance between spice and richness.

Selecting poblanos: Look for glossy, firm, dark green peppers with no soft spots.
Storing: Keep them in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer for up to a week.
Enhancing flavor: Roast them briefly before chopping for extra smokiness.

Their mild flavor shines here, giving the dish a chili-like warmth without overwhelming the creamy cheese sauce.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Cut everything evenly: Uniform pieces cook evenly, especially the peppers and chicken.
• Don’t overcook pasta: It will continue to cook slightly when baked.
• Room temp cream cheese: Helps it blend smoothly without clumps.
• Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
• Deglaze the pot: When adding broth, scrape the bottom of the pot to capture all that flavor.

Storage & Freezing Guide

To Store:

• Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

To Reheat:

• Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.

To Freeze:

• Cool completely, portion, and freeze up to 2 months.
• Reheat from frozen in a covered ovenproof dish at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	703 kcal
Protein	45g
Carbohydrates	45g
Total Fat	35g
Saturated Fat	18g
Fiber	5g
Sodium	780mg
Sugar	6g
Cholesterol	120mg

Expanded Conclusion

There’s something truly comforting about a dish that’s both nostalgic and fresh — and that’s exactly what this One Pot White Chicken Chili Mac and Cheese delivers. It’s creamy, hearty, and full of bold flavors that come together effortlessly in one pot.

From the smoky poblanos to the melted cheese and tender chicken, every bite feels cozy and satisfying. The best part? Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor, and endless compliments from everyone at the table.

If you’re looking for a new weeknight staple or an easy crowd-pleaser, this recipe checks every box. Make it once, and you’ll find yourself craving it again and again — especially when the weather turns cool.

So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and let this warm, cheesy, chili-inspired pasta become your new comfort food favorite.

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