Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Chicken

1 Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shell-shaped pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Cook Chicken
3 You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for this recipe. If not, here are quick instructions for cooking the chicken.
4 Season boneless, skinless chicken breast with salt and pepper or your favorite seasonings. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken breast and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
5 Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before dicing it into bite-sized pieces for the mac and cheese.
Cook the Broccoli
7 Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a generous pinch of salt. Once the water is boiling, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Blanch the broccoli for 2-3 minutes, or until it turns bright green and is slightly tender. Drain the broccoli and pat it dry with paper towels before adding it to the mac and cheese.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce
9 In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes until it begins to turn golden.
10 Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add the dijon mustard and seasonings ( salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion, garlic powder, and nutmeg) and cook the mixture for about 1-2 minutes until it comes to a simmer. Make sure to stir frequently.
11 Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheese to the sauce. Continuously stir until melted and smooth. Taste the sauce and add additional seasoning if desired.
Combine the Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese
13 Once the cheese sauce is smooth and creamy, stir in the cooked pasta, diced chicken breast and broccoli florets until everything is evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. If you want the sauce to be more creamy and running, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to the pan and stir well.