If there’s one dish that masters the art of comfort and pure joy in a single skillet, it’s Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese. Creamy, cheesy, and infused with the rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan, this recipe is pure culinary happiness for cozy weeknights, a family gathering, or a soul-warming dinner. Imagine tender chicken nestled in a blanket of gooey cheese sauce with pasta, every bite hitting that perfect balance between savory and satisfying. This is the kind of meal you’ll crave again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese is a breeze, and each component plays a deliciously important role. The combination of quality cheeses, fresh garlic, and juicy chicken transforms this from simple to extraordinary, making every bite memorable for all the right reasons.
- Pasta: 12 oz elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta) is the hearty base that soaks up every creamy, cheesy note.
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons helps to create a luscious roux and lends a subtle richness to the sauce.
- Fresh Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, infuse every forkful with robust, aromatic garlic flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons thickens the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is luxuriously creamy.
- Whole Milk: 2 cups for that classic silky texture and neutral taste.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup brings the sauce to the next level of decadent creaminess.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 1/2 cups shredded, adds gorgeous melty stretch and a mellow, comforting flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup grated, gives that irresistible nutty, salty umami punch that makes Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese unforgettable.
- Cooked Chicken: 2 cups, shredded or diced, for a boost of protein and satisfying bite—rotisserie chicken keeps it quick and flavorful.
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon enhances the garlic complexity so it shines throughout the sauce.
- Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon adds subtle depth and savory background notes.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon to balance the flavors and amplify the cheeses.
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon for a gentle kick and warmth.
- Chopped Parsley (optional): A fresh sprinkle for finishing color and a hint of herby flair.
How to Make Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add your preferred pasta, and cook until just al dente following package directions. This ensures it holds its shape and texture once it’s wrapped in all that dreamy cheese sauce. Drain and set aside; don’t let it overcook, because it’ll soften further in the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Make the Roux
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once bubbling, add the freshly minced garlic and sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes until the kitchen is filled with that wonderful fragrance. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking for another minute to form a bubbly, golden roux—this step is key for a sauce that clings lovingly to every piece of pasta.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Slowly pour in the whole milk and then the heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes as it thickens into a silky, rich base. This is the soul of your Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese, so give it a moment to work its magic!
Step 4: Add the Cheeses and Seasonings
Turn the heat down low, then fold in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. Stir as they melt together into velvety smoothness. Season with the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, blending until the cheese sauce gleams and the aroma is irresistible.
Step 5: Add Pasta and Chicken
Gently fold the drained pasta and cooked chicken into the skillet, stirring to coat every piece evenly. Let it all heat through until steam rises and the sauce hugs every nook and cranny. Now your Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese is ready for its big moment—taste and adjust seasoning if needed!
How to Serve Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of garden freshness. An extra handful of Parmesan or mozzarella on top right before serving adds an indulgent finishing touch—and if you’re feeling wild, a quick broil creates a bubbling, golden crown that’s absolutely irresistible.
Side Dishes
This dish already stars as the centerpiece, but you can round out the meal with crusty garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted broccoli for balance. The creamy richness of Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese shines next to anything fresh and a little crunchy, making every bite even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve in individual ramekins with a toasted breadcrumb topping. Or, transform leftovers into cheesy baked muffins—just scoop portions into a muffin tin, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until bubbly. However you serve it, the golden, creamy look of this pasta never fails to tempt.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftovers to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. The creamy sauce keeps beautifully for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, making next-day lunches absolutely dreamy.
Freezing
Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese also freezes well! Simply portion it into freezer-safe containers, label, and freeze for up to one month. When you’re craving comfort food, all you need is a quick reheat for cheesy goodness on demand.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to revive the velvety texture. Microwave works, too—cover with a damp paper towel and stir halfway through, so each bite stays deliciously creamy and never dry.
FAQs
Can I make Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish up to the point of baking or serving, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, gently reheat, add an extra sprinkle of cheese on top, and enjoy—perfect for meal prep or easy entertaining.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Elbow macaroni captures creamy sauce in every curve, but shells, cavatappi, or fusilli work wonderfully too. Just choose a shape with plenty of nooks to hold the gooey, garlicky cheese.
Can I use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken makes this recipe both quick and flavorful. Just shred or dice before folding it into the sauce.
How do I add a crispy cheesy topping?
After transferring your Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese to a baking dish, top with extra cheese or buttery breadcrumbs and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbly and golden—just keep an eye on it for that perfect crust!
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Sure! Swap traditional pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety, and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour for the roux. The flavor and creaminess remain every bit as delicious!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that warms you from the inside out and delivers on all the creamy, cheesy, garlicky promises, you need to give this Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese a spot in your weekly rotation. It’s swift, satisfying, and guaranteed to earn a place among your all-time favorite comfort foods. Go ahead—gather your loved ones, dish it up, and enjoy every decadent forkful!
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
A comforting and creamy pasta dish that combines the flavors of garlic, chicken, and Parmesan cheese in a delicious mac and cheese recipe. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic; sauté until fragrant. Whisk in flour and cook for a minute. Slowly add milk and cream, whisking. Simmer until thickened.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Lower heat, stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine and Serve: Fold in cooked pasta and chicken, stirring until coated and heated through. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a golden crust, broil with extra cheese before serving.
- Substitute mozzarella with cheddar for a different flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
