Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese takes a classic comfort dish and elevates it with bold garlic flavor, tender chicken, and rich Parmesan cheese. It is creamy, deeply savory, and incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or indulgent weekend meals. What I appreciate most about this recipe is how well the flavors work together. The garlic infuses the sauce without overpowering it, while the Parmesan adds depth and a slightly nutty finish. During testing, I tried this dish with both roasted and pan-seared chicken, and each method delivered excellent results. It is a complete meal in one bowl, combining protein, pasta, and creamy sauce in a way that feels comforting yet thoughtfully balanced.
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Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese – Creamy, Savory, and Ultimate Comfort Food
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A rich and comforting mac and cheese made with tender garlic-seasoned chicken, creamy Parmesan cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a hearty family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and melt over medium heat.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth. Cook until sauce thickens.
- Reduce heat and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add cooked macaroni and chicken to the sauce and stir until well combined.
- Remove from heat, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
- Add broccoli or spinach for a vegetable boost.
- Adjust thickness with a splash of milk if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Elbow macaroni forms the base of the dish, holding the creamy sauce well in every bite.
Chicken breast provides lean protein and tender texture.
Butter adds richness and helps create a smooth sauce.
Garlic infuses the dish with bold aroma and classic savory flavor.
All-purpose flour thickens the sauce and creates structure.
Milk forms the creamy base of the cheese sauce.
Heavy cream enhances richness and velvety texture.
Parmesan cheese delivers sharp, nutty flavor and depth.
Mozzarella cheese adds creaminess and stretch.
Salt balances and enhances all flavors.
Black pepper adds gentle warmth.
Italian seasoning brings subtle herb notes.
Olive oil helps cook the chicken evenly.
Fresh parsley adds brightness and freshness at the end.
Directions
Begin by cooking the macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. Season the chicken lightly with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove from heat, allow to rest briefly, then slice or dice.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth roux. Gradually add milk and cream, whisking until thickened. Reduce heat and stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
Add the cooked macaroni and chicken to the sauce, stirring gently to coat evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Transfer to a serving dish or bake briefly if a thicker, casserole-style texture is desired. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people. Preparation takes approximately 15 minutes, with a cooking time of about 25 minutes, making the total time around 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Variations and Customizations
This dish is highly adaptable. You can use rotisserie chicken to save time or swap mozzarella for Gruyère for a deeper flavor. I tested a version with sautéed mushrooms added to the sauce, and it paired beautifully with the garlic and Parmesan. For a baked version, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and extra Parmesan, and bake until golden. For a lighter option, use whole milk instead of cream and reduce the cheese slightly.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese is rich in protein and calcium, making it filling and satisfying. While indulgent, it can be balanced by pairing with steamed vegetables or a crisp salad. Moderation is key due to its creamy nature.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Grate Cheese Fresh
Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.
Do Not Overcook Pasta
Al dente pasta prevents mushy texture.
Low Heat for Cheese
Add cheese over low heat to avoid graininess.
Season Gradually
Taste often to maintain balance.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, rotisserie or leftover chicken works well.
Can I bake this mac and cheese?
Yes, baking adds a golden, crispy top.
What pasta shapes work best?
Elbow macaroni, cavatappi, or shells are ideal.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then reheat gently.
Is Parmesan enough on its own?
It provides flavor, but combining with mozzarella improves texture.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and flour.
How do I prevent grainy sauce?
Keep heat low and avoid overcooking cheese.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, broccoli or spinach work well.
Does this freeze well?
Freezing is not recommended due to the cream sauce.
What can I serve with this?
A green salad or roasted vegetables pair nicely.
Conclusion
Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese is a rich, comforting dish that blends classic mac and cheese with savory garlic and tender chicken. Its creamy texture, bold flavor, and versatility make it a dependable recipe for both everyday meals and special comfort-food cravings.
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