If comfort food had a superstar, it would have to be this Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken coated in a luscious garlic-infused sauce, this dish wraps you in pure deliciousness from the very first bite. It’s a perfect marriage of cheesy goodness and savory chicken that makes weeknight dinners feel like something special, all while being incredibly simple to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is key to this Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe. Each component plays a vital role—from the pasta’s tender bite, the rich cheeses, to that irresistible garlic flavor which brings everything together.
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni: Classic pasta shape that holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps create the roux that thickens the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with wonderful aromatic flavor.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the cheese sauce to the perfect creamy consistency.
- 2 cups whole milk: Provides the smooth, silky base for the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds extra richness and creaminess that makes this mac and cheese truly decadent.
- 1½ cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped: Protein-packed, tender, and ready to soak up all that cheesy goodness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts effortlessly for a gooey, stretchy texture.
- 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Brings sharp, nutty layers of flavor that define this recipe.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle warming spice for balance.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the garlic punch so every bite bursts with flavor.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): A fresh, bright note and pretty finishing touch.
How to Make Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Start by boiling your elbow macaroni in salted water until it’s al dente—tender but still with a bit of a bite. This ensures your pasta won’t turn mushy once it sits in the sauce. When cooked, drain and set it aside, ready to meet its creamy counterpart.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add your minced garlic and let it cook just 30 to 60 seconds until you can smell that fragrant garlic aroma filling the kitchen. This short cooking time keeps the garlic from turning bitter while releasing its rich flavor.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Whisk in the flour to the butter and garlic mixture. This forms a roux, thickening agent that’s essential for a silky sauce. Cook it for about a minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Then slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened—around 4 to 5 minutes. This slow addition ensures the sauce forms without lumps.
Step 4: Melt in the Cheeses
Lower the heat and mix in the shredded mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan with the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir continuously until all the cheese has melted into a velvety sauce that perfectly coats the back of a spoon. This step unlocks the signature cheesy magic of the Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken with Sauce
Fold in the cooked pasta and shredded chicken, stirring gently until every piece is enveloped in that creamy, flavorful sauce. Let everything heat through for 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors marry beautifully and the dish becomes piping hot, ready for serving.
How to Serve Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds just the right pop of color and fresh herby brightness to balance the creamy richness. If you want more texture, a light dusting of extra Parmesan or some toasted breadcrumbs can add a delightful crunch.
Side Dishes
This Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads like a tangy arugula or Caesar salad. Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables also make fantastic, healthy companions that brighten each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this comforting dish into a golden baked casserole by transferring it to a baking dish, topping with extra cheese or breadcrumbs, and baking at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. It’s also perfect portioned into individual ramekins for an impressive family dinner presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your servings, simply place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your meal even tastier the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep the Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe for longer, freezing is a great option. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind that the cheese sauce may slightly change texture, but it still reheats deliciously.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally to evenly warm it without drying out the cheesy goodness that makes this recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use shells, penne, or even fusilli. Just cook according to package instructions until al dente and follow the rest of the recipe as usual.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this vegetarian, simply omit the chicken or replace it with sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or a plant-based chicken substitute. The cheese sauce remains just as luscious and flavorful.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. The rest of the process stays the same and you won’t miss a beat on flavor.
Can I prepare the roux and cheese sauce in advance?
Yes! You can make the roux and cheese sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready, gently reheat the sauce before adding the pasta and chicken to keep it smooth and creamy.
What cheese combinations work best in this recipe?
Mozzarella and Parmesan are classics for their melt and flavor balance, but feel free to add sharp cheddar for extra tang or Gruyère for a nuttier profile. Just adjust quantities so the sauce stays creamy but flavorful.
Final Thoughts
Now you have the secret to a truly comforting and irresistible Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe that’s easy enough for any weeknight but special enough to impress. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to dinner that fills the kitchen with warmth and leaves everyone eagerly asking for seconds!
Print
Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting American classic with tender shredded chicken, melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and a rich garlic-infused cheese sauce served over perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. This stovetop favorite delivers hearty flavor in under 30 minutes, ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
Sauce and Chicken
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Make the roux and garlic base: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to brown it. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute to form a smooth roux.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and thickens, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add cheeses and seasoning: Reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir continuously until all the cheese melts and you have a creamy sauce.
- Combine pasta and chicken: Add the drained pasta and cooked shredded chicken to the cheese sauce. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until heated through.
- Serve: Dish out the mac and cheese while warm. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh touch.
Notes
- To make a baked version, transfer the prepared mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, top with extra cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick and easy preparation.
- For a lower fat option, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream or use reduced-fat cheeses.
