In a cooking rut? Try one of these taste-tested, family-approved recipes using ground beef.
Homemade Chicken Pasta-Roni
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Packaged noodle side dishes are a great convenience food but they are high in sodium, packed full of preservatives, and expensive! Make your own version at home with this recipe using simple ingredients you probably already have on hand!
serves/makes:
ready in:
under 30 minutes
under 30 minutes
13 reviews
ingredients
1 1/4 cup water
1/2 cup milk or half-and-half
1 1/2 cubes chicken bouillon
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 1/4 cup noodles, curly, flat, rotini, etc
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3 pinches dried parsley
1 dash black pepper
directions
Place a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the water, milk, chicken bouillon cubes, butter, pasta, garlic powder, parsley, and pepper. Bring to a boil then turn the heat down to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, for 15 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
Remove the pan from the heat and place a cover on it. Let it sit for 5 minutes for the sauce to thicken a bit more. Stir before serving.
Variations: add 1 cup chopped cooked chicken, turkey, drained tuna or other meat. Make it into stroganoff by adding browned and drained ground beef and using beef bouillon cubes instead of chicken and stirring in 1/4 cup sour cream before serving.
recipe tips
Stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent it from sticking together and so it cooks evenly.
If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few additional minutes to thicken.
Adjust the seasonings to taste – add more garlic powder or pepper if desired.
Saute some chopped onions in the butter before adding the other ingredients, if desired.
For a creamier texture, add a little more milk or a dollop of cream cheese.
Top with grated Parmesan before serving.
If adding meat, make sure it's fully cooked before adding it into the recipe.
Try adding vegetables like cooked peas or broccoli.
Be careful not to overcook the pasta – it should be al dente.
This dish can be a base; feel free to get creative with additional spices or ingredients.
common recipe questions
Can I use a low-sodium chicken bouillon?
Yes, low-sodium bouillon cubes are a great alternative to reduce the overall salt content.
Is there a dairy-free substitute for the milk or half-and-half?
You can use a dairy-free alternative like almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Fresh herbs can be used, but add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their flavor. Use about 1/2 tablespoon of fresh parsley in place of the dried.
What types of noodles work best for this recipe?
Curly pasta, flat egg noodles, or rotini noodles work well, but you can use any pasta that cooks in about 15 minutes.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days if there isn't added meat in the recipe. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding additional liquid if needed.
tools needed
2-quart saucepan: For cooking the pasta and sauce mixture over medium heat until the pasta is tender. Make sure it's a medium-sized pot, not too big or too small.
Stirring Spoon: For stirring the pasta, water, milk, and seasonings together in the saucepan.
Measuring Cup: To accurately measure the water, milk/half-and-half, and noodles.
Measuring Spoons: To measure out the garlic powder, dried parsley, and black pepper.
Mixing Spoon: A spoon for stirring the pasta and sauce before serving.
what goes with it?
Garlic Bread: because every pasta dish deserves a crunchy, garlicky sidekick.
Caesar Salad: the crisp, refreshing crunch of romaine lettuce, the tangy bite of Parmesan cheese, and the zesty kick of Caesar dressing will make the perfect companion to your creamy, homemade Chicken Pasta-Roni.
Grilled Chicken Skewers: add some protein to your meal by pairing your Chicken Pasta-Roni with flavorful, juicy grilled chicken skewers.
Steamed Asparagus: the earthy, slightly bitter flavor of asparagus will balance out the richness of the creamy pasta.
Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta: take your pasta dish up a notch with a side of roasted cherry tomato bruschetta.
beverage pairings
Wine Pairings
Chardonnay: Chardonnay's buttery notes and hints of oak will marry beautifully with the richness of the butter and chicken bouillon in this dish. Look for one that's not too heavily oaked to avoid overwhelming the flavors of the dish.
Pinot Grigio: For those who prefer a white wine with a bit more acidity, Pinot Grigio is a great choice. Its crisp, citrusy notes will cut through the creamy sauce of the pasta, adding a nice contrast to each bite.
Merlot: Merlot's smooth tannins and fruity flavors make it a versatile option for this dish. The plum and cherry notes can complement the meaty variations you might add, enhancing the overall savory experience.
Other Alcohol Pairings
Pale Ale: A pale ale's hoppy bitterness and crisp finish can cleanse the palate between the rich bites of this dish.
Vodka Martini: If you're in the mood for a classic cocktail, a Vodka Martini is a sophisticated choice. The clean, crisp taste of the vodka pairs well with the simplicity of the ingredients in this dish.
Amber Ale: With its malty sweetness and balanced bitterness, an amber ale can add a depth of flavor to your meal.
Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Hot Tea: A hot cup of tea, whether black or green, can be a soothing addition to this cozy pasta dish. The warmth of the tea will complement the comfort food vibes of the meal.
Apple Juice: The crisp, refreshing taste of apple juice can be a delightful pairing for this savory pasta dish. The hint of sweetness will balance out the savory notes, creating a pleasant contrast.
Lemonade: A glass of cold lemonade can bring a zesty brightness to this creamy, savory dish. The touch of acidity will enhance the flavors of the homemade Chicken Pasta-Roni.
nutrition data
120 calories, 7 grams fat, 10 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams protein per serving.
This Italian cheese is so versatile that it can be used in both sweet and savory recipes from cheesecakes to lasagnas.
The name, vodka, comes from the Russian phrase zhiznennaia voda, or "water of life". It can be made from everything from potatoes to beets. It's considered to be fairly flavorless which makes it a great liquor for mixed drinks.
reviews & comments
June 30, 2020
Awesome recipe! Used vegetarian chicken bouillon, oat milk, and dairy free butter to make this vegetarian, came out sooo good. My fiancé couldnât tell it wasnât real.
May 4, 2020
This was easy and delicious to make. I am having my 12 y/o make a meal a week for the family and he thought this was easy to follow. He baked pork chop and had a side of broccoli, obviously under my supervision but he made the noodle dish on his own.
April 29, 2020
So good! My picky kids licked the bowl clean.
April 5, 2020
Yum
February 9, 2020
Loved it. Only thing it was a little salty for my taste, so next time only one cube of chicken bullion. Other than that it was delicious!
December 5, 2019
Awesome!!
August 20, 2018
Made for dinner tonight - it was delicious and addicting! Didn't have dried parsley, so I substituted in 1/8 teaspoon of coriander, one bay leaf, and white pepper instead of black pepper. I also mixed in 24 halved grape tomatoes for acidity and color. Thank you for the inspiration!
July 30, 2018
Soooo good. I added Parmesan and white wine and a little seasoned salt.
May 17, 2018
The first time I made this I followed the directions exactly as written, and thought it was a really awesome recipe. Tonight, because my husband is diabetic, I switched the milk for heavy cream, and couldn't stop eating them. Fantastic recipe, simple ingredients, and super easy to make. Thank you
October 13, 2017
This is so good! I used soy milk and dairy free butter to make it dairy free. I also used 2 whole bouillon cubes.
September 25, 2017
Very good! I did have to change to bouillon cubes, they have gluten in them and I am gluten free. So just used chicken broth. Tried it with the sour cream, next time the wine! I will make this again.
January 9, 2014
Tasty and easy! Thanks!
October 3, 2012
I made this for lunch this afternoon. I only had 20 min. and my kitchen was bare. I only used 1 T chicken bullion, replaced parsley with a sprinkling of Italian seasoning, and threw in half a bag of thawed, frozen broccoli. MMMM MMM! My husband could not tell the difference between this concoction and the real pasta roni we had prepared with broccoli last week. This is a keeper. Quick, convenient, inexpensive, and tastes like the real deal. THANK YOU!