Looking for a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion? This Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese recipe combines the creamy goodness of classic mac and cheese with crispy popcorn chicken and savory marinara sauce. It’s a family-friendly dish that everyone will love, and it’s easy to make, too!
Ingredients:
1 lb frozen popcorn chicken
4 cups water
2 cups heavy cream
1 lb macaroni
10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup
1 1/2 tbsp garlic powder
1 1/2 tbsp onion powder
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions:
Prepare the Popcorn Chicken: Cook the popcorn chicken according to the package directions.
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring water and heavy cream to a boil. Add the macaroni, ensuring all noodles are submerged. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Make the Cheese Sauce: Remove the lid and stir the pasta. Add the cheddar cheese soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Stir in 2 cups of mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese.
Assemble the Dish: Pour the macaroni mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with cooked popcorn chicken. Spoon marinara sauce over the chicken and sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starting to brown.
Serve and Enjoy! Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the cheesy, crispy, and comforting flavors of this unique mac and cheese!
Serving Tips:
Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and added freshness.
Accompaniments: Serve with a simple green salad and garlic bread to round out the meal.
Individual Portions: For a fun twist, you can bake the dish in individual ramekins for personalized servings.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Allow the Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese to cool completely before storing. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for longer storage. Transfer cooled mac and cheese to a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating:
Microwave: For a quick reheat, place a serving in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Oven: To reheat in the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with aluminum foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Tip: Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to restore creaminess if the sauce has thickened.
Related Recipes:
- Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
- The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
- Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
FAQs:
Can I use homemade chicken instead of frozen popcorn chicken?
Yes, you can use homemade breaded chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken instead of frozen popcorn chicken. Simply cook and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the mac and cheese.
Can I make Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mac and cheese up to a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed.
Can I substitute the heavy cream in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. However, the sauce may be less rich and creamy. For a dairy-free option, use a non-dairy milk and a dairy-free cheese substitute.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the cheese sauce. You can also add diced jalapeños or a bit of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a family meal, or looking for a comforting weeknight dinner, this Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese is sure to be a hit. The combination of creamy, cheesy pasta with crispy chicken and marinara sauce is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
📖 Recipe:
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Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese recipe. Combining creamy cheese sauce with crispy popcorn chicken and zesty marinara, this dish offers a delightful twist on classic mac and cheese. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
Ingredients
1 lb frozen popcorn chicken
4 cups water
2 cups heavy cream
1 lb macaroni
10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup
1 1/2 tbsp garlic powder
1 1/2 tbsp onion powder
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp pepper
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Cook the popcorn chicken according to package instructions.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large pot, bring water and heavy cream to a boil. Add macaroni and stir until submerged. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the lid, stir in cheddar cheese soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Add 2 cups mozzarella and Parmesan cheese; stir until melted.
- Transfer macaroni mixture to a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Top with popcorn chicken, then spoon marinara sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and starting to brown.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For added freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or basil.
This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 550 kcal per serving
