If you’re looking for pure, creamy comfort in a bowl, this Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is destined to become your go-to favorite. Imagine tender macaroni swirled with a luxuriously silky cheese sauce, lifted up by real Parmesan and garlic, stirred together with juicy chicken, and crowned with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Every bite is a glorious balance of savory, garlicky decadence and childhood nostalgia—quick to make, yet impressive enough for company.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays its own delicious part, creating a mac and cheese that’s truly next-level. With just a few basics, you’ll bring out layers of flavor, irresistible creaminess, and beautiful meltiness you’ll crave again and again.

12 ounces elbow macaroni: Classic for a reason, these little noodles soak up the buttery sauce and give just the right amount of bite.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: The base for a smooth, rich roux—unsalted lets you control the seasoning.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic is essential for bold, aromatic flavor; don’t skimp!
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Just enough to thicken the cheese sauce without making it stodgy.
2 cups whole milk: Full-fat milk creates body and depth in the sauce.
1 cup heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess you can taste in every bite.
1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken is perfectly tender and saves time.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for incredible stretch and gooeyness.
1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient, bringing sharp, salty zing and golden richness.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Reinforces that irresistible garlic flavor throughout the sauce.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and savory undertones.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning—taste and adjust at the end!
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, vibrant finish that adds a pop of color and herby brightness.

How to Make Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your elbow macaroni. Cook according to the package directions until just al dente—the pasta will finish in the cheese sauce. Drain well and set aside. This step is all about creating the perfect pasta base that will hold up when you stir in the cheesy goodness.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a big, deep saucepan, melt your unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the freshly minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds—watch carefully, as burnt garlic can turn bitter. This aromatic layer is what makes the Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe sing.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Next, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. This quick cooking gets rid of any raw flour taste and helps thicken your finished sauce. Don’t rush—stir constantly, and let the roux turn just slightly golden.

Step 4: Whisk in the Dairy

Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep stirring as the mixture gently thickens—this is where that creamy, dreamy sauce begins to take shape, providing the perfect backdrop for all that cheese.

Step 5: Add the Cheese and Seasonings

Lower the heat to low and stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheeses are completely melted and your sauce is silky-smooth and ultra cheesy. Taste and adjust for seasoning—it’s okay to sneak a spoonful!

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Fold the drained macaroni and shredded chicken into your saucepan with the cheese sauce. Stir gently but thoroughly to make sure every piece is coated in molten goodness. Let everything heat together for 2 or 3 minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken warms through.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Transfer to bowls and finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, if using. Whether you scoop it right from the pot or add crunchy toppings and bake, this dish is pure joy made simple.

How to Serve Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

Nothing sets off the flavors of your Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe quite like an eye-catching garnish. A handful of chopped fresh parsley adds freshness and a beautiful pop of green, while a dusting of extra Parmesan cheese gives an irresistible savory kick. If you love a little crunch, a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or crispy fried shallots transforms each bite into something truly special.

Side Dishes

This mac and cheese is basically a meal all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with vibrant side dishes. Serve it with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette to balance the richness, or offer garlicky roasted broccoli or tender green beans for a hit of color and crunch. Warm, crusty bread is always welcome for sopping up every last bit of cheesy sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe for a dinner party by serving it in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets—each guest gets their own molten, bubbling bowl! For family nights, spread the finished dish in a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and a little extra cheese, and bake until golden and crispy. Or, pack leftovers into a thermos for an ultra-comforting work-day lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Your mac and cheese will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy weeks. The flavors meld and get even better overnight!

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze portions of your mac and cheese in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep well for up to two months. For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating so the creamy sauce stays smooth.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to restore the sauce’s silky texture. You can also pop individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Avoid high heat, as that can cause the cheese to separate.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic in the Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe, shells, cavatappi, penne, or even rotini work well. Just aim for pasta shapes that hold on to plenty of sauce.

What’s the best chicken to use?

Leftover roasted chicken or cooked chicken breast is perfect, but rotisserie chicken is the ultimate time saver. If you feel adventurous, try grilled or even smoked chicken for a fun flavor twist in your Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe.

How do I make the sauce extra creamy?

For an even richer cheese sauce, add a few tablespoons of cream cheese while melting the other cheeses, or try a touch more heavy cream. Just be careful not to add too much, so the sauce doesn’t become too thick.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. The rest of the Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe remains totally friendly to those avoiding gluten.

Is it spicy? How can I add heat?

This recipe is mild and crowd-pleasing, but if you crave a little spice, toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or mix a spoonful of hot sauce into the sauce for a gentle kick that doesn’t overpower the other flavors.

Final Thoughts

There’s something downright magical about witnessing friends and family light up over a big, bubbling bowl of this Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, and anchored by plenty of garlic and real Parmesan—the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Give it a try and let it become a beloved staple at your table, too!

Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 23 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe combines tender elbow macaroni, shredded chicken, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce for a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Macaroni:

12 ounces elbow macaroni

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Whisk in flour and cook to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and cream, stirring until thickened. Lower heat and add cheeses, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
Combine and Serve: Fold in macaroni and chicken, stirring to coat. Cook until heated through. Garnish with parsley before serving.