Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese with Grilled Chicken

#### For the Grilled Chicken:
– **Chicken Breasts**: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for grilling. You can also use thighs if you prefer a juicier option.
– **Olive Oil**: For grilling the chicken and keeping it moist.
– **Seasonings**: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a squeeze of lemon juice for marinating.

### How to Make Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese with Grilled Chicken

#### Step 1: Grill the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken breasts. Drizzle with **olive oil**, and season with **salt**, **pepper**, **garlic powder**, and **onion powder**. If you like, squeeze a bit of **lemon juice** over the chicken for extra flavor. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or longer if you have time.

Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

#### Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is grilling, cook your **pasta** according to the package instructions. Be sure to salt the water for extra flavor. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it, but save about 1/2 cup of pasta water to help thin out the cheese sauce if needed. Set the cooked pasta aside.

#### Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt **butter** over medium heat. Add the **garlic** and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Sprinkle in the **flour** to create a roux, and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. This will help thicken the sauce.

Gradually whisk in the **milk**, stirring to create a smooth sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Now, add the shredded **cheddar cheese** and **parmesan cheese**, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with **salt**, **pepper**, and a pinch of **mustard powder** for a little tang. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

#### Step 4: Add the Spinach
Add the chopped **spinach** to the sauce and stir until the spinach wilts down and is incorporated into the cheese sauce. If you’re using fresh spinach, this should only take 2-3 minutes. The spinach will shrink considerably, so don’t be alarmed if it looks like a lot at first.

#### Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked **pasta** to the creamy spinach and cheese sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce needs thinning, add a little more pasta water until it reaches a creamy consistency that will coat the pasta beautifully.

#### Step 6: Assemble the Dish
Transfer the creamy mac and cheese to serving bowls. Top with the **grilled chicken**, either arranged on top or mixed into the pasta for an all-in-one meal.

#### Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with extra **parmesan cheese** or a sprinkle of **fresh herbs** like parsley or basil, if desired. Serve immediately while the mac and cheese is warm, creamy, and comforting.

### Tips for Perfect Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese with Grilled Chicken

– **Make it extra creamy**: For an even richer sauce, substitute some of the milk with heavy cream, or stir in a dollop of **cream cheese** or **sour cream** for extra tang and creaminess.
– **Add more vegetables**: You can boost the nutrition of this dish by adding other vegetables like **roasted red peppers**, **zucchini**, or **mushrooms** to the cheese sauce.
– **Customize the cheese**: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. **Gouda**, **mozzarella**, or even **fontina** can add complexity and melt beautifully into the sauce.
– **Use store-bought rotisserie chicken**: If you’re short on time, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut—just shred it and mix it into the mac and cheese.
– **Make it ahead**: You can prepare the mac and cheese and chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, and reheat everything together when you’re ready to serve.

### Variations You Can Try

– **Baked Version**: After combining the pasta and cheese sauce, transfer it to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and more cheese, and bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
– **Spicy Spinach Mac and Cheese**: Add a bit of **cayenne pepper** or **jalapeños** to the sauce for a spicy kick. You can also drizzle some **hot sauce** over the top for extra heat.
– **Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese**: For a buffalo chicken twist, toss the grilled chicken in buffalo sauce before adding it to the mac and cheese. The spicy and tangy buffalo flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese sauce.
– **Vegetarian Version**: Skip the grilled chicken and add extra vegetables like **roasted cauliflower** or **artichoke hearts** for a hearty vegetarian version.

### Conclusion

**Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese with Grilled Chicken** is the ultimate comfort food, with the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness, nutritious spinach, and tender grilled chicken. It’s a comforting dish that’s easy to make yet feels indulgent, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or a special family meal. Whether you’re craving something filling after a long day or want to impress guests with a flavorful homemade meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

Give it a try, and you’ll have a delicious, creamy mac and cheese that’s both wholesome and indulgent—without sacrificing any of the flavor!