Get ready to meet your new weeknight obsession: Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese. This hearty, cheesy, and utterly irresistible mashup takes everything you love about classic Chicken Parm—golden chicken, zesty marinara, and lots of melty cheese—and swirls it all together with creamy mac and cheese. It’s comfort food magic in a single bubbling casserole, perfect for cozy family dinners or wowing guests at your next potluck. With straightforward pantry staples, this dish comes together faster than you’d think but tastes like you put in hours. Trust me, you’ll want this creamy, golden-baked delight in your regular dinner rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The brilliance of Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese lies in humble, accessible ingredients that pack the dish with flavor and personality. Each element brings something special—whether it’s texture, creaminess, or a burst of Italian flair—so take a peek at what you’ll need and maybe pick up a few pro-tips along the way.
- Elbow macaroni (8 oz): Short pasta soaks up the sauce and delivers perfect creamy bites in every spoonful.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds depth and a hint of earthiness when you sauté the chicken.
- Cooked chicken breast (2 cups, chopped): Rotisserie chicken works wonders for speed and flavor, but any cooked chicken you have on hand is perfect.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Instantly brings in that quintessential Chicken Parm taste with herbs like basil and oregano.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds aromatic warmth that lingers in the best way!
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Essential for a velvety cheese sauce, bringing classic richness.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce into cheesy perfection.
- Milk (2 cups): The base for your cream sauce—whole milk is best, but 2% will do in a pinch.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Makes the sauce extra luscious and silky.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): Brings that ooey-gooey cheese pull everyone loves.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Sharp, salty, and pure Chicken Parmesan energy.
- Marinara sauce (1/2 cup): Adds bold tomato flavor and ties the dish back to classic Chicken Parm roots.
- Seasoned breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): For that irresistible golden crunch on top!
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Ensures the breadcrumbs bake up buttery and crisp.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Don’t be shy—season in layers so every bite sings.
- Fresh basil or parsley, optional: A sprinkle of green makes the whole dish look (and taste) restaurant-worthy.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C)—we want it nice and hot for that beautiful golden crust. Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish so nothing sticks. Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside; it should be just past al dente, since it’ll cook a bit more in the oven.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, grab a skillet and heat up your olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped cooked chicken, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, a dash of salt, and some pepper. Sauté everything for a few minutes until the chicken is golden and fragrant—it’s a quick way to infuse flavor and wake up the leftovers if you’re using rotisserie chicken.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Cheese Sauce
Melt the butter in a separate saucepan and whisk in the flour to make a light roux. This only takes a minute or two—the goal is to get rid of that raw flour taste, not to brown the mixture. Slowly drizzle in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly, and keep cooking until the sauce thickens and simmers, about 5 minutes. Lower the heat and start stirring in your mozzarella and Parmesan until smooth, melty, and indulgent. Don’t forget a pinch of salt and black pepper here too!
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and the seasoned chicken straight into your cheese sauce. Gently fold it all together so every noodle and chicken piece gets coated in that dreamy, cheesy goodness. This is your main mixture for the Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese casserole.
Step 5: Layer in the Baking Dish
Spoon half the pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dollop marinara sauce over the top (no need to spread it perfectly, little pockets of tomato make it fun!). Add the rest of the mac and cheese mixture on top, spreading everything out evenly. You’ll see gorgeous swirls of tomato all through the creamy pasta.
Step 6: Top with Buttery Breadcrumbs
In a small bowl, mix together the seasoned breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Scatter this mixture over the whole casserole, pressing it down gently so it sticks. The buttery crumbs turn beautifully crisp and golden as they bake, giving you that signature Chicken Parm crunch.
Step 7: Bake and Serve
Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbling around the edges. Let your Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese rest for about 5 minutes before serving—this helps everything set up nicely and makes it even creamier. Finish with a flourish of fresh basil or parsley for extra color and a fresh pop of flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the magic of a vibrant finish! Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley generously over your Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese just before serving. Add a few extra shreds of Parmesan or a light drizzle of good olive oil for restaurant-worthy flair. If you like a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes won’t hurt either.
Side Dishes
This main course is rich and filling, so stick to breezy, refreshing sides to balance out your plate. A simple green salad with balsamic dressing works wonders, or serve it with steamed green beans or garlicky broccoli for a touch of crunch and color. Warm, crusty bread is a classic if you want to soak up every last bit of sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests, try individual ramekins for mini Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese portions—they bake up adorable and make everyone at the table feel special. Or go rustic: scoop big, luscious portions straight from the baking dish, family-style. For a fun twist, offer DIY toppings (extra sauce, more cheese, or fresh herbs) so everyone can customize their serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese holds up beautifully in the fridge for three to four days. Simply scoop leftovers into an airtight container once completely cool. The flavors get even richer as they meld together, so don’t hesitate to enjoy them for lunch the next day!
Freezing
This casserole is an excellent make-ahead freezer meal. After assembling (but before baking), cover the dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, bake from frozen at 350°F. You’ll want to add a little extra baking time but the results are just as delicious. If you have leftovers to freeze, portion them out in single servings for grab-and-go convenience.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese in the oven, covered with foil, at 350°F until hot and bubbly (about 20 minutes). Microwave reheating works too, especially for individual servings—just add a splash of milk to keep things creamy. The topping may not stay as crisp, but the flavor will still be outstanding.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni delivers classic comfort, you can swap in penne, rotini, shells, or any other sturdy short pasta. The most important thing is to stick with a pasta shape that holds sauce well and won’t get mushy when baked.
What type Main Course
Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut—the seasoning and tenderness fit right in. You can also poach or roast your own chicken breast or even use leftover grilled chicken for a smoky nuance. Just be sure it’s cooked before you add it to the skillet!
How do I make it spicy?
If you crave a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce or use a spicy marinara in your Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese. Hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne in the roux are delicious ways to turn up the temperature too!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to two days in advance, cover, and refrigerate until baking. It’s perfect for busy weeks when you want a homemade meal without a fuss—just pop it in the oven and enjoy piping hot comfort in no time.
Did I overbake my Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese if it looks a little dry?
Possibly, but don’t worry! If needed, stir in a splash of warm milk or a spoonful of marinara before serving the leftovers to bring back that creamy texture. Keeping a close eye on bake time and letting it rest after baking usually keeps the casserole perfectly creamy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a dinner that’s equal parts familiar and full of excitement, you’ve got to try Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone running to the table and leaves nothing but happy forks and empty plates behind. Let your kitchen fill with the savory aroma, gather your favorite people, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy, crunchy bite!
Print
Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese. Creamy, cheesy pasta combined with tender chicken, marinara sauce, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, all baked to perfection. This crowd-pleasing dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or short pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Additional:
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Sauté chopped chicken in olive oil with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until golden and heated through.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, make a roux with butter and flour, then gradually add milk and cream. Cook until thickened and add mozzarella and Parmesan until melted.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix cooked pasta and chicken with the cheese sauce. Layer half the mixture in the baking dish, top with marinara, then the remaining pasta mixture.
- Add Topping: Combine breadcrumbs and melted butter, sprinkle over the top of the dish.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or use spicy marinara.
- Great as a freezer meal—just assemble, cover, and freeze before baking.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *