Description
This Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese is a comforting Italian-American dish combining creamy cheesy pasta with savory breaded chicken and tangy marinara sauce. It’s baked to perfection with a crispy breadcrumb topping and makes a perfect hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Sauce
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Chicken & Topping
- 2 cups cooked breaded chicken (chopped or sliced)
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the whole milk, ensuring the mixture stays smooth. Continue cooking and stirring frequently for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add cheeses and seasonings: Stir in the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder, stirring until all the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Combine pasta and chicken: Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. Gently fold in the cooked breaded chicken pieces and marinara sauce until well combined.
- Prepare for broiling: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Broil until golden: Place the baking dish under a preheated broiler on high and broil for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use store-bought chicken tenders for convenience or leftover homemade chicken cutlets.
- Swap elbow macaroni for shells or rotini if preferred.
- Add red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
- Broil carefully and watch closely to avoid burning the breadcrumb topping.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
