Mac and cheese just had a major glow-up. This Chicken Alfredo Mac and Cheese with Wagyu Beef Jerky is the ultimate weeknight win. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! Kids will be asking for seconds and parents will sneak bites straight from the pot.
Ingredients:
- 1.5oz Salt & Pepper Wagyu Beef Jerky, finely chopped
- 1lb chicken thighs
- 16oz Cavatappi pasta (or preferred)
- 5oz parmesan cheese, shredded
- 10oz heavy cream
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tbsp onion powder
- 1/2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Chicken seasoning:
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1/2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
Fill large pot with water, salt, and bring to a boil. Add pasta and cook as directed on the package. Strain water and return cooked pasta to pot. Heat oil in a skillet on medium high. Cook seasoned chicken thighs about 4 minutes per side, remove from heat and let rest.
In a saucepan, melt butter then gradually add a little heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Continuously stir to prevent burning and clumping. Add Alfredo seasonings about halfway through. Remove from heat once melted and smooth.
Add Alfredo sauce to cooked pasta and stir until evenly coated. Add Wagyu jerky crumbles to pot and combine or plate pasta and top with jerky then sliced chicken. Add your choice of side and serve! Expect second and maybe third helpings.