There’s something magical about digging into a warm bowl of Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese, and as the creamy, cheesy goodness envelops each bite, it’s hard not to smile. Imagine the smooth, velvety sauce mixing perfectly with tender pasta and succulent chicken, all topped with a sprinkle of golden, crunchy breadcrumbs. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary family gathering into an extraordinary feast.
Did you know that mac and cheese has been a family favorite for centuries? This recipe has a twist that brings in irresistible flavors of garlic and Parmesan, reminiscent of the classic dish while adding a depth that will have everyone reaching for seconds. If you’ve tried different variations—like our popular Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Mac and Cheese—this one is bound to earn its rightful place in your recipe book as well. It’s simple to whip up during those cozy winter evenings, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Grab your apron, and let’s dive into this cheesy delight!
What is Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese?
So, what exactly is Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese? Well, you might say it’s a delicious accidental union of pasta and cheese, sprinkled with garlic love. But let’s be real—who decided that this melty masterpiece could be so appealing to households everywhere? The way to a man’s heart is, after all, through his stomach! Imagine serving this to your loved ones on a chilly night; it’s like giving them a warm hug in a bowl. So why not treat yourself (and someone special) to this delightful dish? Trust me, they’ll thank you for it!
Why You’ll Love This Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese
The beauty of our Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese lies in its incredible taste and texture. Picture it: you take a forkful of the creamy, cheesy goodness, and as you bite into it, you get the subtle crunch of perfectly baked breadcrumbs on top. It’s a textural delight! Not only is this dish a savory main course that stands out on its own, but it’s also an economical choice for family meals, helping you save money without sacrificing quality. Compared to typical takeout options, this one is so much more flavorful.
And let’s talk toppings! You can customize this dish in countless delightful ways—try adding fresh herbs, extra cheese, or even some sautéed veggies to really elevate the experience. So, are you ready to impress your loved ones with this incredible dish? Let’s get started!
How to Make Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese
Quick Overview
Making Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese is quicker and simpler than you might think! With smooth cheese sauce melding seamlessly with pasta and the crunch of breadcrumbs, this dish takes just about 30 minutes from prep to finish. Perfect for those busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for casual family gatherings!
Key Ingredients for Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese
Gather the following ingredients to create this mouthwatering masterpiece:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (halal)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (preferably whole)
- 2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until it forms a smooth paste (roux).
- Add the Milk: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cheesy Goodness: Lower the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Continue to stir until the cheese has melted completely.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked macaroni and shredded chicken to the cheese sauce. Mix well until everything is coated in that creamy goodness.
- Bake It Up: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly on top of the mac and cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove it from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this luscious meal hot!
Top Tips for Perfecting Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix cheeses! While Parmesan gives a distinct flavor, combining it with mozzarella or cheddar can add extra creaminess and flavor.
- No Chicken? No Problem! You can easily swap the chicken for vegetables like steamed broccoli or spinach for a vegetarian delight.
- Timing: Avoid overcooking your pasta—this will ensure that your dish doesn’t become mushy during baking.
- Perfect Breadcrumbs: For extra flavor, try toasting the breadcrumbs in a bit of butter before adding them as a topping. This adds a delightful crunch!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store your Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to save it for later, it can be frozen for up to 2 months. When reheating, it’s best to do so in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes to retain its creamy consistency. Add a splash of milk to revive the sauciness if it seems a bit dry.
Delicious, satisfying, and loved by all, this Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese is your new go-to recipe. Ready to impress with your culinary skills? Let’s make it happen!
Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Pasta & Chicken
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (halal)
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (preferably whole)
- 2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until it forms a smooth paste (roux).
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Continue to stir until the cheese has melted completely.
- Add the cooked macaroni and shredded chicken to the cheese sauce. Mix well until everything is coated in that creamy goodness.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly on top of the mac and cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove it from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this luscious meal hot!
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