Description
This creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese combines tender cooked chicken, rich cheeses, and a garlicky sauce over perfectly cooked pasta for a comforting and delicious meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni or small pasta shells
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 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
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Protein
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni or small pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to form a roux that will thicken the sauce.
- Add Dairy: Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, continuing to whisk as the mixture heats. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring until the cheese fully melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine with Chicken and Pasta: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring gently so everything is well coated and heated through.
- Serve: Serve the mac and cheese warm, garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful finish.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and convenient shortcut.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra vegetables and nutrition.
- This dish can be baked with a breadcrumb topping if you prefer a crispy crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
