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Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese

A delightful blend of creamy mac and cheese with tender chicken and rich marinara, perfect for comforting weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni Dried
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced Can use leftover chicken
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups marinara sauce Store-bought or homemade
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish Optional

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot, boil water and add the elbow macaroni. Cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and whisk until smooth (about 1-2 minutes). Gradually add the milk while whisking until thickened.
  3. Once the sauce is thick, stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until melted and creamy.
  4. Fold in the shredded chicken and marinara sauce into the cheese mixture.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the pot, stirring until everything is well coated.
  6. Distribute the Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese into bowls, garnishing with fresh basil if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

You can bake it briefly in the oven at 350°F for a crispy top if you like a baked flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.