There is something utterly comforting and irresistible about combining creamy cheese, tender chicken, and garlicky goodness in one cozy dish. The Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is exactly that kind of meal that makes any day instantly better. With slow-cooked chicken bathed in rich Parmesan garlic sauce mixed into cheesy Mac and Cheese, this recipe brings together the best of both worlds in a way that feels both indulgent and homey. It’s perfect for sharing with family, impressing guests, or just treating yourself to a big bowl of velvety, flavorful bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward with accessible ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering on taste, texture, and that inviting color that screams comfort food perfection.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast (1 lb): The succulent protein base that absorbs all the garlicky sauce flavors beautifully.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors, making them pop.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick and balances the richness.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Brings a mellow smokiness and depth.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Reinforces that punch of garlic without overpowering.
- Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce: The star ingredient — creamy, tangy, and packed with fresh Parmesan and garlic flavors.
- Elbow macaroni noodles (8 oz): Perfect bite-sized pasta to soak up the cheese sauce.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Adds creaminess and keeps the mixture smooth.
- Shredded Colby Jack cheese (2 ½ cups): Combines the mild creaminess of Colby with the sharper Jack, ensuring melty, dreamy cheese goodness.
- Cream cheese, softened (8 oz): Gives the mac and cheese that luscious, velvety texture you crave.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish: Adds a sharp, salty finish and a pop of texture.
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish: Brings brightness and a splash of color to each serving.
How to Make Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Season and Slow Cook the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. This step is key to developing layers of flavor in the chicken itself. Next, place the chicken in your slow cooker and coat it well with the Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce. Cooking on low heat for about 4 hours allows the chicken to become tender and infused with the sauce’s rich, cheesy garlic flavors. Once done, shred or chop the chicken directly in the slow cooker, giving it the chance to soak up even more sauce.
Step 2: Par-Cook the Macaroni
While the chicken slow cooks, get a pot of salted boiling water ready and cook the elbow macaroni for just 3 minutes—long enough to soften the exterior but still firm in the center. This short cooking time is critical since the pasta will finish cooking in the slow cooker, absorbing all the luscious flavors from the sauce and chicken.
Step 3: Combine and Slow Cook the Mac and Cheese
After the chicken is shredded, add the par-cooked macaroni, whole milk, shredded Colby Jack cheese, and softened cream cheese into the slow cooker. Stir everything together really well so all the cheeses melt evenly and the pasta is fully coated. Cook on low for an additional hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensuring a smooth, creamy texture throughout.
Step 4: Finish and Garnish
When your Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe has thickened to perfection and the cheese is fully melted, it’s time to plate it. Top each serving with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. These final touches brighten every bite and add beautiful color and a hint of freshness.
How to Serve Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish beyond everyday comfort, think about the final presentation. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese adds a salty crunch, while chopped fresh parsley or even a few red pepper flakes can add a lovely burst of color and mild heat. Sometimes, a drizzle of extra Parmesan Garlic Sauce on top amps up that indulgent flavor.
Side Dishes
This Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is rich and filling, so pairing it with something lighter and fresh balances the meal well. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed broccoli tossed with lemon and olive oil, or even roasted asparagus make wonderful accompaniments without competing with the creamy main attraction.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this dish in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets gives it a warm, rustic vibe perfect for dinner parties. For family-style meals, place it in a large, shallow baking dish and garnish with fresh herbs right before serving. You can also turn it into a baked version by adding extra cheese on top and broiling for a few minutes to get a golden, bubbly crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator, sealed tightly in an airtight container. It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days, as the cheese sauce retains its creamy texture while the flavors continue to meld together.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to stash some away for a busy night. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk while reheating if needed to regain that creamy, luscious consistency without drying out the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of Colby Jack?
Absolutely! While Colby Jack provides a perfect balance of creaminess and mild sharpness, you can substitute with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella depending on your flavor preference.
Is there a way to speed up the cooking process?
If you’re short on time, you can cook the chicken on high in the slow cooker for about 2 to 2 ½ hours instead of 4 hours on low. Just be sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Can I omit the Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce?
The sauce is central for its signature flavor, but if you can’t find it, making a homemade garlic Parmesan sauce or using a good quality alfredo sauce with extra Parmesan and garlic can work as a substitute.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Elbow macaroni is traditional and perfect for holding onto the cheese sauce, but you could also try cavatappi or shells for a fun twist, as they similarly capture the sauce well.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing and reheating? Will the texture change?
Yes, this recipe freezes and reheats well. The texture may be slightly softer after freezing, but adding a touch of milk when reheating helps restore creaminess without compromising flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is truly a joyous celebration of creamy, cheesy comfort with tender chicken and bold garlic flavors that linger long after the last bite. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, this dish invites you to slow down, savor every bite, and enjoy a warm hug on a plate. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and share the happiness it brings!
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Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This creamy and flavorful Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese combines tender slow-cooked chicken with a rich blend of cheeses, pasta, and Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce for a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish features a cheesy, garlicky sauce with hints of paprika and a fresh parsley garnish.
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 ½ to 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, as desired
- Fresh parsley, chopped, as desired
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Place the chicken in the slow cooker and pour enough Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce over it to coat thoroughly. Cook on low heat for 4 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender enough to shred.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred or chop it finely using forks or a knife. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, adding more Parmesan Garlic Sauce if you want a saucier dish.
- Par-Cook Pasta: While the chicken is cooking or near completion, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 3 minutes to par-cook (the pasta will finish cooking in the slow cooker). Drain and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the par-cooked macaroni noodles, whole milk, shredded Colby Jack cheese, and softened cream cheese to the slow cooker with the shredded chicken. Stir all the ingredients well to combine into a creamy mixture.
- Slow Cook Mac and Cheese: Cook the combined mixture on low for 1 more hour in the slow cooker, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the cheese melts evenly, resulting in a creamy mac and cheese texture.
- Serve: When the mac and cheese is fully cooked and creamy, serve it hot. Garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and a fresh finish.
Notes
- Par-cooking the pasta helps prevent it from becoming mushy during the slow cooking process.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before shredding.
- You can adjust the amount of Parmesan Garlic Sauce to your taste for more or less saucy mac and cheese.
- If you prefer, substitute Colby Jack cheese with cheddar or mozzarella for variety.
- This dish can be kept warm in the slow cooker for up to 1 hour before serving without drying out.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
