Chicken and Egg Macaroni Gratin

This Chicken Macaroni and Egg Bake is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, eggs, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce. It's perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, providing a comforting and satisfying meal that's both easy to make and delicious.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4 to 6

Ingredients

1.2 kg ground chicken (about 2.5 lbs)
2 chicken eggs
Salt, to taste
Ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon dried ground sweet paprika
1 medium onion, chopped
300 g cannelloni pasta (or elbow macaroni, about 3 cups)
80 g mayonnaise (about 1/3 cup)
300 ml cream (about 1 1/4 cups)
300 ml water (about 1 1/4 cups)
150 g hard mozzarella cheese, grated (about 1 1/2 cups)
Directions

Cook pasta:
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Cook cannelloni pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the chicken:
In a large skillet, cook the ground chicken over medium heat until cooked through and golden brown.
Add the chopped onion, paprika, salt and pepper, and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion softens.
Prepare the sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, cream and water until smooth.
Add the sauce to the cooked chicken and onion mixture, stirring well to combine. Let simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Assemble the dish:
In a large baking dish, layer the cooked pasta and chicken sauce mixture.
Crack the eggs on top, spacing them evenly.

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of everything.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until eggs are set and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
Serving Suggestions

Serve with a green salad for a complete meal.
Serve with garlic bread or steamed vegetables.
Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor.
Serve with a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat.
Enjoy with a glass of iced tea or lemonade.
Cooking Tips

You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the chicken mixture for added nutrients.
For a creamier texture, substitute cream cheese for the mayonnaise.
If you prefer a crunchier topping, add breadcrumbs or crushed crackers to the cheese before baking.
Nutritional Benefits

High in protein from the chicken and eggs.
Provides a good source of calcium from the mozzarella cheese.
Pasta gives you a steady supply of carbohydrates for energy.
Mayonnaise and cream provide healthy fats, although you can substitute lighter options if you prefer.
Nutritional Information

Gluten: Contains gluten (if using regular pasta).
French:Dairy: Contains dairy (cheese can be substituted with dairy-free alternatives).
Eggs: Contains eggs.
Nut-Free: This recipe is nut-free.
Nutritional Information (per serving)