Ever have one of those nights when you can’t seem to figure out what’s for dinner? Maybe you are in – between grocery shopping trips and the cabinets are getting empty. This macaroni dinner is the perfect solution. It is quick, easy, filling and inexpensive.
All you have to do is cook up some macaroni elbows, then toss the rest of the ingredients in the pan. Mix until melted, and serve!
Cream of Chicken Macaroni and Cheddar
Yield – 6 servings
Preparation Time – 5 minutes
Cooking Time – 10 minutesIngredients
- 1 Box of macaroni elbows (1 pound package). On sale for 88 cents.
- 1 can of peas (15 oz.) drained. On sale for 69 cents.
- 1 can of Campbell’s cream of chicken soup (10 3/4 oz.). On sale for 88 cents.
- 1/2 cup of milk. 09 cents.
- 1/2 block sharp cheddar cheese (1/2 block is 4 oz.). On sale for 95 cents.
- Carrot sticks (cut up 3 large carrots, put a little on each plate) 50 cents.
- Bread and Butter (one buttered slice, cut in half, per person) 58 cents.
Directions
- Cook Macaroni elbows according to package directions. Drain and return to pan.
- Slice up the cheddar cheese and add to elbows.
- Pour cream of chicken and the milk on top of the elbows.
- Pour one can of (drained) peas on top of the elbows.
- Stir everything together until it all melts.
- Serve macaroni with bread and butter on the side, along with carrot sticks.
Cost $4.57
Janet says
First and foremost, I am a big fan! Thank you for all the great ideas 🙂
That being said, this recipe is not of the caliber I am used to seeing here. I totally understand this is an “empty fridge” type of dinner but I would hope we can do better than this.
I hope I have not hurt anyone’s feelings, that is not the intent.
Thank you
Julie says
I do reach for this type of dinner once in a great while and it’s very tasty. Sometimes I will add broccoli or cauliflower along with the mac and cheese. As far as Janet is concern, can you do any better? Thanks for a great blog.
Lauren says
I am making this as I type this! Was so stuck on what to make for dinner. And as for Janet, was that comment really necessary?
Susan says
To me this is one of those “comfort foods” that I crave sometimes. It’s easy, kid friendly, inexpensive and good.
Danielle says
It would be very easy to add some leftover chicken to this. 🙂
Rachel says
Thanks for sharing this. It is one of those affordable meals I can pass along to my brother who is in college. He is always trying to find things he can make cheaply in his dorm room. I think he can do this if he does the mac in the microwave first, then throw it all in his crockpot =)
BKWilliams @ Cats, Kids and Crafts says
THANK YOU! I was just looking at the assortment of macaroni I have in the cabinet and longing for a new idea! This was just what I needed to give my mind a jumpstart, and my dinner menu something different. Love your blog.
Liz says
I have everything I need for this RIGHT NOW. Thank you for something quick and easy, and that my family will love!!! And staying within my budget to boot? Awesome!!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Sarah Cassill says
And you can substitute whatever veggie you HAVE for the canned peas– fresh or frozen Broccoli or Cauliflower or Frozen peas would be my preference– just add them to the boiling water with the macaroni!
And like someone else said it’s ALSO a great way to use up leftover chicken or turkey….
Lisa Stein says
Comfort food is the best! Will be doing this with leftover chicken and cauliflower. Thanks for the great idea!
Brooke Bumgardner says
Sounds awesome! Will definitely be making this soon…perfect meal for a chilly winter day. I will be adding in some boneless skinless chicken breast for protein and probably another veggie or 2. Thanks for a great blog, love getting these ideas! There are many days when I haven’t decided on dinner, and no time to run to the store, so this will be a great recipe to have in my back pocket.