Check out more of the best one pot recipes like One Pan Chicken and Rice, One Pot Lemon Orzo and One Pot BBQ Chicken and Bacon Pasta. I’m a sucker for homemade mac and cheese! And when you add some green chiles into it for added flavor? Swoon! Green Chile Mac and Cheese is exactly as amazing as it sounds. Creamy, rich homemade macaroni and cheese has just the right amount of bold green chiles for that extra something special. I love serving up this stuff at game days, potlucks, and parties of all kinds. Mac and cheese is always a big hit – but when you add green chiles to it, it becomes everyone’s favorite dish. Make it for your next gathering to see what I mean!
Why we love this Green Chile Mac and Cheese:
One Pot: One pot recipes are my absolute favorite. They’re so easy to make and even easier to clean – the best win-win! Budget Friendly: If you take a quick look at the ingredients listed below, you’ll see that they’re minimal and on the more affordable side. Flavorful: The medley of spices and green chiles make this macaroni anything but bland.
Green Chile Mac and Cheese Ingredients:
Elbow Macaroni: You can use whole wheat or regular pasta, whichever you prefer! I’ve found that it doesn’t really change the 1:1 pasta to liquid ratio. Chicken Broth: I always recommend using low-sodium chicken broth. That way, you can add more salt as needed and better control the amount of sodium in your dish. Cream: I like to use table cream. If you’re unable to find any at the store, half and half will work in a pinch. Cheese: You can use monterey jack or mozzarella. Either way, just make sure it’s freshly shredded right off the block. Pre-shredded cheese may seize up when you mix it with the other ingredients. Green Chiles: These are pretty mild. Even my kids who are pretty sensitive to spice don’t complain! Spices: A simple medley of garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt and pepper create the very best flavor here.
How to make Green Chile Mac and Cheese
Take a quick look at just how easy this mac and cheese with green chiles really is! For more exact step by step instructions, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
Combine the broth, cream, seasonings and chiles in a pot over medium heat. Bring to a simmer. Stir in the macaroni. Cook until al dente. Then, stir in the cheese until melted.
Variations and Substitutions
Add some meat – Feel free to add in some chopped Oven Cooked Bacon or shredded chicken! Mix in veggies – You can feel free to stir in pretty much any veggie that sounds good to you. Change the cheese – Not a fan of monterey jack or mozzarella? Grab some cheddar cheese! No matter what cheese you go with, just try to avoid using pre-shredded bagged cheese. Make it spicy – The green chiles already add a kick. However, you can always enhance that subtle spicy flavor with some chopped jalapeños or serranos. Adjust the consistency – If you want to make things even lighter, you can swap out some of the milk for broth. Or you can go the other route and use all whole milk.
How to store Green Chile Mac and Cheese
Leftover mac and cheese will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container. To reheat individual portions, just add a splash of water or broth and pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring each time it stops, until warmed all the way through. Want to reheat the entire dish? Go for it! Add a big splash of water, milk or broth and place, covered, over low heat on the stove. Stir occasionally. If it is still thick and not saucy and creamy, add in another splash of liquid.
Can I freeze Green Chile Mac and Cheese?
If you know you want to freeze this green chile mac and cheese, make sure that you stop cooking while your pasta is still slightly firm, just a couple minutes before you would want to eat it. Then, let it cool slightly before covering tightly and placing in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, I recommend defrosting it at room temperature for several hours or in the refrigerator overnight.
Serving suggestions:
Sometimes, I like to cook up a Baked Chicken Breast (or Slow Cooker Chicken Breast for something hands off!) or some of this The BEST Crock Pot Pulled Pork and serve it next to the mac and cheese – or right on top of it! Other delicious proteins that pair well with this gooey mac and cheese include Air Fryer Steak and Baked Pork Chops.
More mac and cheese recipes you’ll love!
Healthier Baked Mac and Cheese — if you love that crispy top! Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese — a quick stovetop version Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese — a hearty, protein-loaded version. Instant Pot Mac and Cheese — quick and hands off!
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