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.
