If you’re craving something comforting, creamy, and packed with flavor, you’re going to absolutely fall in love with this White Chicken Chili Mac Skillet Recipe. It combines the cozy vibes of a cheesy mac with the healthful, spicy kick of white chicken chili—all in one skillet. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to be a new go-to for weeknights or any time you want to impress without stress.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with hearty chicken and beans for a meal that satisfies deeply.
One-Skillet Wonder: Everything cooks in one pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
Flavor-Packed with a Kick: A subtle heat from jalapeño combined with smoky paprika and cumin makes this anything but boring.
Family Friendly: My family always begs for seconds, and yours will too—win-win!

A close-up view of a black pan filled with creamy pasta shells covered in an orange cheese sauce. The dish shows layers of tender pasta shells mixed with shredded chicken, all coated thickly by the rich sauce. Small green herbs are scattered on top, adding spots of color. A white spoon lifts a portion of the creamy pasta and chicken from the pan, with the sauce dripping off the edge. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - White Chicken Chili Mac, White Chicken Chili Mac Skillet, creamy chicken skillet recipe, easy weeknight dinner ideas, cheesy chicken pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need

This White Chicken Chili Mac Skillet Recipe is all about blending creamy, cheesy richness with savory spices and fresh ingredients. I always pick a good quality rotisserie chicken to save time but still get loads of flavor. Plus, fresh jalapeño and smoked paprika add a subtle but exciting depth.

Flat lay of medium pasta shells, a small yellow onion whole, one green jalapeño pepper, four whole brown garlic cloves, a small pile of smoked paprika powder, a small heap of ground cumin powder, unsalted butter sticks, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of low-sodium chicken broth, a small white bowl of heavy cream, shredded Gouda cheese, shredded white cheddar cheese, two whole rotisserie chicken breasts, a small white bowl of great Northern beans, a small white bowl of frozen white corn, a small white bowl of kosher salt, a small heap of freshly ground black pepper, a few sprigs of fresh cilantro, a small white bowl of extra-virgin olive oil placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - White Chicken Chili Mac, White Chicken Chili Mac Skillet, creamy chicken skillet recipe, easy weeknight dinner ideas, cheesy chicken pasta

Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors throughout.
Medium Pasta Shells: These little shells hold on to all that luscious sauce so well.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: For softening veggies and boosting richness.
Yellow Onion: Brings sweetness and texture after it’s softened.
Jalapeño: Adds just the right amount of heat; you can seed it to control the spice.
Garlic: The flavor backbone, finely chopped to bloom beautifully in the skillet.
Smoked Paprika: Gives that subtle smoky warmth without overpowering the dish.
Ground Cumin: Brings earthiness and depth to the chili base.
Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich roux with flour for the creamy sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect cheesy consistency.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Keeps things savory and moist without too much salt.
Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce ultra creamy and decadent.
Gouda Cheese (shredded): Melts beautifully adding smoky, mellow flavor.
White Cheddar Cheese (shredded): For sharpness and that classic mac & cheese feel.
Rotisserie Chicken Breasts (shredded): Quick, tender, and loaded with protein.
Great Northern Beans (canned, drained & rinsed): Adds texture and wholesome fiber.
Frozen White Corn: Sweet pops that brighten every bite.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential finishing touch for balanced seasoning.
Fresh Cilantro (finely chopped): Adds freshness and color just before serving.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

What I love most about the White Chicken Chili Mac Skillet Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have in your kitchen or your personal taste. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—there’s room to experiment here.

Spicy Boost: I sometimes add a dash of cayenne or a few sliced green chilies when I want an extra punch; my spice-loving friends rave about it.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and double up on beans and corn; adding diced zucchini makes it super hearty.
Dairy-Free Option: I swap the cream for coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese for friends with sensitivities—it still comes out creamy and flavorful.
Different Cheeses: Have fun with pepper jack for heat or Monterey jack for a milder profile; I’ve mixed and matched cheeses regularly.

How to Make White Chicken Chili Mac Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Cook Pasta to Al Dente Perfection

Start by cooking your pasta shells in boiling salted water, stirring occasionally so they don’t stick. You’re aiming for al dente, which means the pasta should be tender but still have a little bite—usually 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside. This little trick ensures your pasta won’t get mushy in the creamy sauce later on.

Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a large, ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Cook the finely chopped onion and jalapeño until the onions soften and start to turn translucent, about 7 minutes. Season lightly with kosher salt at this point to help draw out sweetness. Add garlic, smoked paprika, and cumin and cook for another minute until fragrant. This combo wakes up your stove and sets a smoky, spicy foundation for the dish.

Step 3: Create a Creamy Roux and Sauce

Next, add butter and let it melt, stirring until foamy. Then sprinkle in the flour and keep whisking for 1 to 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream to keep the sauce lump-free. Bring it gently to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened. This step is crucial to get that silky texture everyone loves.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheese and Fold in the Good Stuff

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in most of your shredded Gouda and white cheddar until melted and smooth. Then add shredded rotisserie chicken, rinsed beans, frozen corn, and the cooked pasta. Taste and season with salt and pepper—you’ll find the flavors really come together here. If it looks a bit dry, no worries, just add a splash more chicken broth.

Step 5: Bake and Broil for the Perfect Finish

Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top of the skillet and slide it into a preheated 375°F oven. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the top gets bubbly and golden brown. This part always feels like a little mini celebration because the aroma fills the kitchen and everyone’s getting excited!

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Pro Tips for Making White Chicken Chili Mac Skillet Recipe

Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cooking pasta just right upfront prevents it from turning to mush in the creamy sauce.
Toast the Roux Well: Cooking the flour-butter mixture a bit longer creates a richer, less floury sauce taste.
Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: It’s perfect for building flavor, even baking, and gives you that nice browned top every time.
Add Broth as Needed: If your mixture looks too thick before baking, thinning it slightly avoids dryness but keeps it creamy.

How to Serve White Chicken Chili Mac Skillet Recipe

A white plate holds a creamy pasta dish with shell-shaped pasta coated in a rich, orange sauce. The sauce has a smooth texture with some small yellow chunks mixed in, likely vegetables. Fresh green herb pieces are sprinkled on top, adding contrast. A silver fork rests on the right side of the plate. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - White Chicken Chili Mac, White Chicken Chili Mac Skillet, creamy chicken skillet recipe, easy weeknight dinner ideas, cheesy chicken pasta

Garnishes

I love topping mine with freshly chopped cilantro because it adds that pop of green and a fresh bite that cuts through the richness of the cheese and cream. You can also sprinkle a little extra black pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes if you want more heat at the table.

Side Dishes

Since this dish is so hearty, I like pairing it with something light and crisp like a simple mixed green salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables to balance out the creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or family gatherings, serving this in a large cast-iron skillet right from the oven is both rustic and impressive. I’ve even portioned it into individual ramekins, topped with cheese, and broiled them for mini personal chili macs—such a fun touch that always gets compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, but the cheese can firm up a bit—nothing a good reheat can’t fix though!

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish successfully by letting it cool completely then portioning into freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, I add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and stir over medium-low heat until warmed through. This helps maintain that creamy texture without drying or splitting the sauce.

FAQs

Can I make White Chicken Chili Mac Skillet Recipe without a jalapeño?

Absolutely! The jalapeño adds a nice mild heat, but if you prefer it milder or don’t have one on hand, you can skip it or substitute with a milder pepper like poblano or even green bell pepper for flavor without spice.
What’s the best type of cheese to use?

I recommend sticking with Gouda and white cheddar as per the recipe because they melt smoothly and bring a great balance of smokiness and sharpness. But feel free to experiment with what you like or have on hand—pepper jack or Monterey jack can add fun variations.
Can I use raw chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

You can, but be aware it will add extra cooking time. You’ll need to cook the chicken fully before adding the cheese and other ingredients, or shred cooked chicken and add it in later. I love the rotisserie shortcut for quick meals.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes! It freezes very well when stored properly in airtight containers. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove with a little extra broth or cream to keep it creamy.

Final Thoughts

This White Chicken Chili Mac Skillet Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for busy nights when I want something hearty but fuss-free. It brings together the best of both worlds—comforting mac and cheese plus vibrant, smoky chili flavors that keep the dish exciting. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and that it becomes a staple in your kitchen like it has in mine. Grab your skillet and let’s get cooking—it’s pure joy in every cheesy, spicy bite!