Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac: The Ultimate Comfort Food Upgrade

Transform your regular mac and cheese into a restaurant-quality meal with this creamy, flavorful Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac. This hearty dish combines perfectly seasoned chicken pieces with a rich, velvety cheese sauce that’s infused with aromatic garlic and Italian herbs.

What makes this recipe special is the layered approach to building flavors. The chicken is properly seasoned and seared to golden perfection, creating a savory base that elevates the entire dish. Meanwhile, the cheese sauce is built from scratch using a classic roux technique, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture that coats every piece of pasta beautifully.

This one-skillet wonder is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting yet sophisticated. It’s a complete meal that satisfies both kids and adults, combining familiar flavors in an elevated way that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What You’ll Need

For the Pasta Base

12 ounces elbow macaroni – the perfect shape for capturing all that creamy sauce

For the Golden Chicken

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil – for that perfect sear
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts – sliced into tender bite-sized morsels
1 teaspoon garlic powder – for deep, even seasoning throughout
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt – to enhance natural flavors
1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper – for a subtle warmth

For the Velvety Cheese Sauce

3 tablespoons premium unsalted butter – the foundation of our silky roux
3 fresh garlic cloves, finely minced – for aromatic depth and flavor
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour – to create the perfect thickening base
3 cups whole milk (or 2% if preferred) – for ultimate creaminess
1 1/2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese – for that irresistible stretch
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – for sharp, nutty complexity
1/2 teaspoon premium Italian seasoning blend – to tie all flavors together

For the Final Flourish

Fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped – for color and a bright finish (optional but recommended)

Step-by-Step Cooking Method

Step 1: Prepare Your Pasta Foundation
Fill a large, heavy-bottomed pot with generously salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the elbow macaroni and cook following package directions until perfectly al dente – tender but still with a slight bite. Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining (this can help adjust sauce consistency later if needed). Drain thoroughly and set aside.

Step 2: Create Golden, Flavorful Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat until it shimmers. While the oil heats, season the chicken pieces evenly with garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked pepper, tossing to coat completely. Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook without moving for 3-4 minutes to develop a beautiful golden crust, then stir and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until the chicken is golden brown on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 3: Build Your Aromatic Roux Base
In the same skillet (don’t clean it – those browned bits add incredible flavor!), reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Allow it to melt completely and start to foam. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 60 seconds until fragrant and lightly golden – be careful not to burn it. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the butter and garlic, whisking constantly to combine. Cook this roux for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously, until it becomes lightly golden and smells nutty.

Step 4: Transform Into Silky Sauce
Very slowly pour in the milk, about 1/4 cup at a time initially, whisking vigorously after each addition to prevent lumps from forming. Once you’ve added about half the milk and the mixture is smooth, you can add the remaining milk in a steady stream while whisking continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese Magic
Reduce the heat to the lowest setting to prevent the cheese from seizing. Remove the skillet from direct heat if your burner runs hot. Add the mozzarella cheese in small handfuls, stirring gently until each addition is completely melted before adding more. Follow with the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes incredibly smooth and creamy. Stir in the Italian seasoning and taste for seasoning – adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken and drained macaroni to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Using a large spoon or tongs, gently fold everything together until every piece of pasta and chicken is beautifully coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water or a bit more milk to reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Serve with Style
Immediately spoon the creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac into warmed serving bowls. Garnish each portion with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while the cheese is at its melted perfection and the dish is steaming hot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac takes comfort food to the next level with its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tender chicken pieces are seasoned with garlic powder for even distribution of flavor, while fresh garlic in the sauce adds aromatic depth that makes your kitchen smell incredible.

The dual-cheese approach is what really sets this recipe apart. Mozzarella provides that stretchy, melty texture we all crave in mac and cheese, while Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty complexity that transforms this from simple comfort food to something truly special. The Italian seasoning brings everything together with a subtle herb note that complements both the garlic and cheese perfectly.

This recipe is incredibly versatile and forgiving. It’s hearty enough to satisfy hungry families, elegant enough to serve to guests, and simple enough to become a regular weeknight staple. Plus, it all comes together in about 40 minutes using ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Pro Tips for Success

Don’t skip the roux step – The butter and flour mixture is crucial for preventing a lumpy sauce and creating that restaurant-quality smoothness
Add milk slowly while whisking – This prevents lumps and ensures a perfectly smooth cheese sauce every time
Keep heat low when melting cheese – High heat can cause the cheese to separate and become grainy instead of creamy
Use freshly grated cheese when possible – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting
Cook chicken to golden brown – This creates better flavor and texture than just cooking until done
Serve immediately for the best creamy texture – The sauce is at its peak creaminess when hot and fresh

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency, and heat gently over low heat, stirring frequently. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, adding a tablespoon of milk and heating in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.