Get ready to fall head over heels for Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese! This creamy, cheesy, flavor-packed twist on a classic comfort food brings together tender chicken, dreamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, and pasta in the most irresistible way. Whether you’re cooking to impress or just want a cozy meal for your family, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe whenever a craving for something warm and satisfying hits.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of simple ingredients can create something so rich and crowd-pleasing. Each component of this Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese plays a special role, from building silky sauces to delivering bursts of savory flavor and perfect texture.
- Elbow macaroni (8 oz): The classic pasta shape for capturing loads of sauce in every bite—other shapes work, but elbows are traditional for a reason!
- Unsalted butter (2 tbsp): The base for a rich roux and luscious sauce.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Provides a warm, aromatic punch that infuses the whole dish with irresistible flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2 tbsp): Essential to thicken your cheese sauce into creamy perfection.
- Whole milk (2 cups): The secret to a creamy texture that’s not too heavy.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Adds extra silkiness and decadent body to the cheese sauce.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 ½ cups): Melts beautifully and gives that signature cheese pull everyone loves.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Brings sharp, salty, nutty flavors that make the sauce completely addictive.
- Cooked chicken breast (2 cups, shredded or diced): Use rotisserie for convenience! Juicy chicken turns this mac and cheese into a full meal.
- Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the flavors in the dish—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper (¼ tsp): Adds a gentle, earthy bite for balance.
- Italian seasoning (½ tsp): A fragrant blend that brings everything together and offers subtle herbal depth.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tbsp, optional): For a pop of color and a touch of freshness right at the end.
How to Make Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by preparing your macaroni according to the package instructions, but be sure to cook it just until al dente—this means the noodles are firm to the bite, which keeps them from getting mushy later. Once it’s ready, drain well and set aside while you work some kitchen magic with the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle, stirring constantly for about 1–2 minutes. When the aroma hits you and the garlic softens, you know you’re building a flavor base for your Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese that smells absolutely amazing.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Whisk in the flour and let it cook for about a minute. You want the mixture to turn just slightly golden and bubble—this cooks out the raw flour taste and creates the foundation for that velvety cheese sauce.
Step 4: Add Milk and Cream
Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Keep stirring for about 4–5 minutes, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Watching this transform never gets old!
Step 5: Create the Cheese Sauce
Lower the heat and sprinkle in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts into a glossy, smooth sauce—it’s the heart of Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese! Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for that final burst of flavor.
Step 6: Add Chicken and Pasta
Fold in your cooked chicken and drained macaroni, making sure every piece is evenly coated. Let everything simmer together for another 2–3 minutes. The chicken soaks up the flavors, while the sauce clings beautifully to every noodle.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
If you want to add a pop of color and freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley on top just before serving. For an ooey-gooey, golden top, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, add some extra cheese, and broil for a few minutes. Pure bliss!
How to Serve Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese
Garnishes
A handful of freshly chopped parsley lights up the plate and lends a hint of herby freshness. For even more flavor, try a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a dash of black pepper right before serving—these little touches make the Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish is a meal in itself, but if you’re in the mood for a little extra, serve it with a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette, roasted broccoli, or buttery garlic bread for scooping up every last bit of cheesy sauce. These sides balance out the richness and turn dinner into a true feast!
Creative Ways to Present
Dishing up this mac and cheese in individual ramekins creates a cute bistro-style vibe—perfect for dinner parties or cozy date nights. Or, serve it family-style in a big casserole dish for a comforting, communal feel. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs before broiling for special crunch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors tend to get even better overnight, making lunch or a quick dinner the next day just as enticing!
Freezing
If you want to prepare this dish ahead, let it cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers. Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese freezes well for up to two months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring between intervals to keep everything creamy and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional for Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese, shapes like shells, cavatappi, or penne all work beautifully and give your sauce plenty of nooks to cling to.
What’s the best chicken to use?
The easiest option is store-bought rotisserie chicken, but any cooked chicken breast, thighs, or even leftover roast chicken will taste great. Diced or shredded both give the right texture and mix easily into the cheese sauce.
How do I make the top crispy?
After combining everything, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra Parmesan and even some breadcrumbs, then broil for 2–3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it so the top turns golden and bubbly without burning.
Can I make Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese ahead?
You can absolutely assemble it ahead of time! Store in the fridge before baking or gently reheat when ready to serve. The sauce may thicken, so add a little extra milk or cream when reheating to bring back the creamy consistency.
Is there a way to lighten up this dish?
For a lighter version, you can swap the heavy cream for more whole milk or use reduced-fat cheeses. Just remember, the classic creamy texture is thanks to the original recipe, so altering ingredients can make it a bit less indulgent.
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese is comfort food at its most joyful—a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Every bite is a little celebration of melty cheese, tender chicken, and that unbeatable garlicky sauce. Give it a try and make it your new favorite go-to for family dinners, potlucks, or any night that needs a cheesy boost!
Print
Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy and flavorful Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese. Perfectly cooked pasta smothered in a rich cheese sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic garlic, all topped off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Additional:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Boil the macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan, sauté garlic in butter, add flour, milk, and cream. Stir until thickened.
- Melt Cheeses: Add mozzarella and Parmesan, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in chicken and macaroni, heat through.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for added convenience.
- For a crispy top, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese, and broil briefly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
