Ingredients

Scale

8 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice

2 tbsp butter

2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp sugar (optional, for caramelizing)

2 cups cooked shredded chicken

1 tbsp flour

1 1/4 cups milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp black pepper

Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions, salt, and sugar. Cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and caramelized—about 20–25 minutes.

3. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Cook until slightly thickened, 2–3 minutes.

4. Reduce heat to low. Add Gruyère and cheddar, stirring until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder and pepper.

5. Fold in shredded chicken and cooked pasta. Stir until everything is coated in the cheesy onion sauce.

6. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley and serve hot.

Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut.

• For extra flavor, deglaze caramelized onions with a splash of white wine or broth.

• Want a baked version? Transfer to baking dish, top with more cheese, and broil for 3–5 minutes.

Author: Mila Bryn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dinner, Pasta, Comfort Food
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, French-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
Calories: 520
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: french onion chicken mac and cheese, caramelized onion mac and cheese, creamy chicken pasta bake, gruyere cheese pasta