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
Scale
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
