Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese. Creamy, cheesy pasta combined with tender chicken pieces and a savory marinara sauce, baked to perfection for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Author:nadia
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Baking, Stovetop
Cuisine:American, Italian
Diet:Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
UnitsScale
For the Mac and Cheese:
12oz elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons olive oil
1pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2cups whole milk
1cup heavy cream
1 1/2cups shredded mozzarella cheese
3/4cup grated Parmesan cheese
1cup marinara sauce
For the Topping:
1/2cup seasoned breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
For Garnish:
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the macaroni: Cook the macaroni according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
Cook the chicken: In a skillet, cook chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until golden and cooked through.
Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and cream. Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and marinara sauce.
Combine and bake: Mix pasta, chicken, and cheese sauce, then transfer to baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs mixed with butter. Bake until bubbly and golden.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
You can use rotisserie chicken to save time.
For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy marinara.
This dish can be assembled ahead and baked just before serving.