If you’re craving comfort food with a gourmet twist, this Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine tender, slow-cooked chicken drenched in rich, creamy Parmesan garlic sauce, mingling perfectly with cheesy, velvety mac and cheese that’s both familiar and exciting. This dish combines beloved classic flavors with a hint of sophistication, making it perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or impressing friends without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, classic ingredients form the heart of this dish, each chosen to build layers of flavor and deliver comforting creaminess. From tender chicken to the perfect balance of cheeses, every element plays a vital role in making this recipe shine.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast: The main protein, providing juicy, tender bites throughout the dish.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Brings out the natural flavors of the chicken and cheese.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and a mild kick.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Introduces a gentle smoky depth and vibrant color.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor without overpowering.
- Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce: The star sauce that defines this mac and cheese with bold, garlicky creaminess.
- 8 oz elbow macaroni noodles: Classic mac and cheese pasta shape that holds sauce beautifully.
- 2 cups whole milk: Provides a rich, creamy base for the cheese sauce.
- 2 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese: Melts smoothly to give a luscious, cheesy texture and mild flavor.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds incredible creaminess and a silky mouthfeel.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish: Offers a salty, nutty finish that ties everything together.
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish: Adds a fresh, herbal contrast and pops of color.
How to Make Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Season and Slow Cook the Chicken
Begin by seasoning the chicken breast with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. This simple spice mix enhances the chicken’s flavor before it slow cooks in the rich Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce. Cooking on low for 4 hours lets the chicken soak up all those garlicky, creamy notes until it’s incredibly tender and easy to shred.
Step 2: Par-Cook the Pasta
While the chicken cooks, boil your elbow macaroni noodles just for 3 minutes. This par-cooking ensures they don’t turn mushy later and still have a slight bite after slow cooking with the cheese sauce.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Once the chicken is shredded and nestled back into the slow cooker, add the par-cooked pasta, milk, Colby Jack cheese, and softened cream cheese. This is where the magic happens—the cheeses melt and blend beautifully, enveloping the pasta and chicken in a lush, creamy sauce. Cook on low for one hour, stirring occasionally to make sure every bite is perfectly creamy and cheesy.
Step 4: Final Touches and Garnish
To finish off this Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top for an extra punch of flavor, and scatter chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful touch that makes this dish look just as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your dish with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley not only adds beautiful color but also layers of flavor and texture. For an added touch, consider a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat or crispy fried onions for crunch.
Side Dishes
Because this dish is rich and creamy, lighter sides work best. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed asparagus, or roasted Brussels sprouts offer fresh contrast. Garlic bread makes a tempting companion too—perfect for mopping up any remaining sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the mac and cheese in individual ramekins and broil briefly to form a golden, bubbly crust. Or turn it into a layered casserole with extra cheese on top, adding crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms for extra indulgence. You can even stuff bell peppers with the mixture and bake for a colorful, family-friendly presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, but you’ll want to add a splash of milk when reheating to keep the mac and cheese creamy and smooth.
Freezing
This Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with short bursts, stirring in a bit of milk to restore creaminess. Avoid overheating to keep the cheese sauce from separating and the pasta from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Colby Jack offers a mild, creamy melt, you can use cheddar, mozzarella, or even a blend to tailor the flavor to your liking. Just make sure to choose cheeses that melt well for the best texture.
Do I have to use the Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce?
This sauce is key to the signature flavor of the recipe, but you can substitute with any store-bought or homemade creamy garlic Parmesan sauce if you prefer. Just aim for a balance of garlicky richness and tangy Parmesan notes.
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
You can! Cook and shred the chicken on the stovetop or oven, then prepare the cheese sauce in a large saucepan and combine everything just before baking or serving. The slow cooker simply makes the process more hands-off and melds flavors beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. The Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe makes a hearty meal that keeps well and reheats nicely, making it perfect for lunch or dinner prep.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
For sure! Adding steamed broccoli, peas, or sautéed mushrooms during the last stage of cooking is a great way to sneak in some veggies without sacrificing creaminess or flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like cozying up with a bowl of this hearty, creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe. It’s simple to make, packed with luscious flavor, and feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try—you’re going to love every cheesy, garlicky bite!
