If you are craving the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with rich garlic and Parmesan flavors, this dish takes the classic mac and cheese to a whole new level by adding tender, slow-cooked chicken bathed in a luscious Parmesan Garlic sauce. It’s the perfect blend of smooth, savory, and satisfying, ideal for family dinners, special occasions, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something truly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create an incredible harmony of flavors and textures. Each item plays a key role in building layers of taste, from the tender chicken to the creamy cheeses and the perfectly cooked pasta.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Provides lean protein and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder: A balanced seasoning mix that boosts the chicken’s flavor without overpowering.
- Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce: The star ingredient that infuses the dish with its signature tangy, garlicky punch.
- Elbow macaroni noodles: Classic pasta shape that captures the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Whole milk: Adds richness and helps create a velvety cheese sauce.
- Shredded Colby Jack cheese: Melts smoothly for that signature gooey cheese pull.
- Cream cheese (softened): Boosts the creaminess, making every bite luscious and decadent.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top to add a salty, tangy finish.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and a bright, fresh contrast.
How to Make Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by seasoning your boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to build a foundation of flavor. Place the seasoned chicken in your slow cooker and pour in enough Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce to coat each piece generously. Let it cook on low for about 4 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and becomes wonderfully tender.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken and Add Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces right in the slow cooker. This way, the shredded chicken soaks up even more of the delicious Parmesan Garlic sauce. If you feel it needs an extra burst of flavor, add a little more sauce for that perfect saucy consistency.
Step 3: Par-Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is finishing up, boil your elbow macaroni noodles for only about 3 minutes. This step ensures your pasta will stay perfectly firm after simmering in the slow cooker, preventing it from becoming mushy.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Mac and Cheese
To the slow cooker with the chicken, add the par-cooked macaroni noodles, whole milk, shredded Colby Jack cheese, and softened cream cheese. Stir everything together to combine, then cook on low for another hour. Be sure to stir occasionally so the cheese melts smoothly and everything blends together into a dreamy, cheesy masterpiece.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
When your mac and cheese is thick, creamy, and bubbling with cheesy goodness, it’s ready for the final touches. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the top to add that beautiful finishing layer of flavor and color.
How to Serve Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is a simple way to add extra flavor and visual appeal. Fresh parsley provides a lovely green contrast while a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese brings a little extra sharpness and texture to each bite. You can also add a light dusting of smoked paprika for a subtle, smoky undertone.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp side salad, like a tangy arugula or baby spinach salad with a lemon vinaigrette, cuts through the richness beautifully. Roasted vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus also add a great textural contrast, making for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation to the next level by serving the Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe in individual ramekins or cast-iron skillets for that cozy, rustic vibe. You can also bake a crunchy breadcrumb topping for about 5 minutes under the broiler before serving to add an irresistible golden crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully after resting, making for an even tastier second serving.
Freezing
You can freeze this mac and cheese in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Be sure to leave some space at the top as the dish may expand slightly as it freezes. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if the mac and cheese has thickened too much. Stir well to bring back that creamy texture and heat evenly throughout.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Colby Jack adds a creamy, mild flavor, you can substitute with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even gouda to change up the taste profile while keeping things deliciously melty.
Is there a stovetop version of this recipe?
Yes, you can cook the chicken separately in a skillet and then prepare the mac and cheese on the stovetop by slowly whisking together the cheeses and milk. However, the slow cooker method makes it especially tender and hands-off.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Sure! To add a little heat, consider tossing in some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or swap out some of the Parmesan Garlic Sauce for a spicy wing sauce. It pairs amazingly well with the creamy cheese.
What pasta works best if I don’t have elbow macaroni?
Any short pasta shape will do, such as rotini, shells, or penne. These shapes hold onto the cheesy sauce well and provide a nice bite.
Can this recipe be doubled for a crowd?
Definitely! Just double the ingredients but be mindful of the slow cooker size. You might need to use two slow cookers or cook in batches to ensure even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is truly a comfort food celebration that will satisfy even the most discerning cheese and garlic lovers. It’s simple enough to make on a weeknight but special enough to serve to guests. Trust me, once you try this rich, creamy, and flavorful dish, it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for cozy meals that bring everyone to the table with smiles. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
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Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This comforting Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese combines tender slow-cooked chicken infused with rich Parmesan Garlic Sauce and creamy macaroni and cheese. Featuring Colby Jack and cream cheese blended to silky perfection, this dish is a delightful twist on classic mac and cheese with a flavorful, protein-packed punch.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce (enough to coat chicken, about ¾ cup)
Pasta and Cheese Sauce
- 8 oz elbow macaroni noodles
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
Garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly on all sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Place the seasoned chicken into a slow cooker and pour enough Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce over the chicken to thoroughly coat it.
- Slow Cook Chicken: Set the slow cooker to low and cook the chicken for 4 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) indicating it is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and add more Parmesan Garlic Sauce if desired for extra flavor.
- Par-Cook Pasta: While the chicken is finishing, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 3 minutes to par-cook. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Add the par-cooked macaroni noodles, whole milk, shredded Colby Jack cheese, and softened cream cheese directly into the slow cooker with the shredded chicken.
- Slow Cook Mac and Cheese: Stir all ingredients in the slow cooker thoroughly to combine. Cook on low for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to ensure the cheese melts evenly and the macaroni finishes cooking.
- Serve: Once the mac and cheese is creamy and heated through, scoop portions onto plates or bowls. Garnish each serving with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- Par-cooking the pasta prevents it from becoming mushy during the slow cooking process.
- You can adjust the amount of Parmesan Garlic Sauce based on how saucy and flavorful you want the dish.
- Be sure to use whole milk for the creamiest, richest mac and cheese texture.
- If you prefer, substitute Colby Jack with sharp cheddar for a more traditional mac and cheese taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
