If you’re ever torn between classic Italian comfort food and a satisfying, cheesy bake, let me introduce you to Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese. This dish is pure joy in a casserole, marrying the golden crunch and zesty marinara from chicken parmesan with the silky, cheesy goodness of homemade mac and cheese. Each bite brings you crispy chicken, tender macaroni, stretchy mozzarella, and a pop of herby tomato sauce—honestly, it’s one of those recipes you crave again as soon as your plate is clean.

Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy to make Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese, but each ingredient earns its place! Together, they create an irresistibly creamy, crispy, and flavorful combination you’ll love from first spoonful to last.

Elbow macaroni (2 cups, uncooked): These little shapes hold onto the gooey cheese sauce perfectly, but you can use shells or rotini if you like.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Melted into the sauce, butter adds richness and helps the flour and milk blend seamlessly.
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Just enough flour thickens the sauce to that silky, classic mac and cheese consistency.
Whole milk (2 cups): Using whole milk ensures your sauce is delightfully creamy—don’t skip it for skim!
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): This adds a gorgeous melt and that signature cheese pull you want in every forkful.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Salty, nutty Parmesan is what brings the “chicken parm” character to the party.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A fragrant blend of herbs that ties together the flavors of Italy.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): A hit of garlic wakes up the sauce and brings depth without overpowering.
Cooked breaded chicken (2 cups, chopped or sliced): Store-bought tenders or leftover chicken cutlets work beautifully here—crispy and satisfying!
Marinara sauce (1 1/2 cups): Pick a jar you love; the vibrant, tangy tomato sauce is essential for that chicken parmesan magic.
Seasoned breadcrumbs (1/4 cup): These toast up to a golden, crunchy topping you won’t want to skip.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Tossed with the breadcrumbs, olive oil helps them brown beautifully under the broiler.
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional): A sprinkle of fresh green adds a burst of color and freshness at the finish.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil, then add the elbow macaroni and cook them just until al dente, following the directions on the package. Once they’re tender with just a bit of bite, drain the pasta well and set it aside—it’ll finish cooking in the oven later, and you don’t want it to go mushy.

Step 2: Start Your Cheese Sauce

Grab a large saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat until bubbly but not browned. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk them together, cooking for a minute or two, just until that raw flour taste disappears. This simple roux is the backbone of a velvety smooth sauce.

Step 3: Thicken and Flavor the Sauce

Pour in the milk gradually, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Keep stirring as the mixture thickens for around 3 to 5 minutes. Once it’s lovely and creamy, stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. You’ll see the cheese melt into a dreamy, stretchy sauce with flecks of herbs—try not to taste-test too much!

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Marinara

Slide your cooked macaroni into the pot with your luscious cheese sauce and give everything a good stir so every piece is coated. Gently fold in the breaded chicken and marinara sauce. Don’t overmix—let the streaks of sauce mingle with cheese for a beautiful swirl of flavors.

Step 5: Assemble and Top

Spoon the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs with olive oil until well coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the top, making sure you go all the way to the edges so every portion gets a crispy topping.

Step 6: Broil Until Golden

Move the dish under your oven’s broiler on high for about 2 to 3 minutes—just long enough for the breadcrumbs to turn golden-brown and the cheesy edges to bubble. Keep a close eye to avoid burning; that toasty, crispy finish is pure bliss.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

A generous shower of chopped fresh parsley makes your Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese look bright and inviting. You can also sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat if you like things zippy.

Side Dishes

This hearty main loves the company of something fresh and crunchy—think a simple green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette or roasted broccoli for color and balance. Garlic bread or a soft Italian roll is also perfect for scooping up every saucy bite left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking your Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese in mini ramekins for individual portions at a dinner party or serve it family-style right out of the casserole dish. For a potluck, keep it warm in a slow cooker so guests can serve themselves throughout the evening.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), simply cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors get even cozier as they mingle, and it reheats beautifully for lunches and snacks.

Freezing

Want to stash some for a future busy night? Assemble the Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese right up to the breadcrumb topping. Cover and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to indulge, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before broiling so it heats evenly.

Reheating

To reheat, pop single servings in the microwave or rewarm the whole casserole in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly. If the topping has softened, a quick blast under the broiler brings back that crunchy texture. Add a splash of milk if you’d like to loosen up the cheese sauce.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of breaded chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a speedy swap. You’ll miss the crispy breading, but the dish will still be delicious—perhaps just sprinkle a few extra breadcrumbs for crunch.

What’s the best way to keep the mac and cheese from getting dry?

The key is using enough sauce and not overbaking. Since you’re just broiling to toast the topping, the interior stays perfectly creamy. If reheating, add a splash of milk to bring back the lusciousness.

Can I make Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese gluten-free?

Yes! Swap in gluten-free macaroni and use your favorite gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs for the topping. Ensure your flour thickener is a gluten-free blend as well.

Is there a way to add veggies to this recipe?

Absolutely—stir in sautéed spinach, peas, or roasted broccoli with the chicken and marinara for extra nutrition and pops of color. Kids won’t even notice the hidden veggies!

Can I prep Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the whole dish (except for the breadcrumb topping) a day in advance. Add the topping just before broiling, so it stays beautifully crispy and golden.

Final Thoughts

There’s something unbelievably irresistible about homemade Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese—the flavors, the gooey cheese, that golden crunch! This is pure comfort food made for sharing, so go ahead and give it a whirl. Whether you’re looking to wow your family or bring a little cheer to a weeknight dinner, I hope this recipe becomes a favorite at your table, too.

Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese recipe. Creamy, cheesy pasta loaded with breaded chicken and marinara sauce, then broiled to perfection for a crispy topping.

Ingredients

Scale

Macaroni:

2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)

Cheese Sauce:

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

Additional:

2 cups cooked breaded chicken (chopped or sliced)
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Macaroni: Prepare macaroni according to package instructions, then set aside.
Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk. Cook until thickened, then stir in cheeses, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until creamy.
Combine Ingredients: Add cooked macaroni to the sauce, mix in breaded chicken and marinara sauce.
Bake: Transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil, and broil until golden and crispy.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Use store-bought chicken tenders for convenience or leftover homemade chicken cutlets.
Swap elbow macaroni for shells or rotini if preferred.
Mix in red pepper flakes for a spicy variation.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop + Broil
Cuisine: Italian-American