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Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.2 from 4 reviews

Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese is a deliciously hearty baked pasta dish combining creamy macaroni and cheese with crispy popcorn chicken, flavorful marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for a comforting and satisfying meal.

  • Author: Zara
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1 lb frozen popcorn chicken

Macaroni and Cheese Base

  • 4 cups water
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 lb macaroni
  • 10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup
  • 1 ½ tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 ½ tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Topping

  • 1 ½ cups marinara sauce

Instructions

  1. Cook Popcorn Chicken: Prepare the frozen popcorn chicken according to the package directions until fully cooked and crispy, then set aside.
  2. Preheat Oven: Set the oven temperature to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the assembled dish later.
  3. Boil Liquids: In a large pot, combine 4 cups water and 2 cups heavy cream and bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
  4. Add Macaroni: Once boiling, add 1 lb of macaroni noodles to the pot, stirring to ensure all noodles are fully submerged.
  5. Cook Macaroni: Cover the pot with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Let the noodles cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Mix Cheese and Seasonings: After 8 minutes, remove the lid and stir well. Add 10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup, 1 ½ tablespoons garlic powder, 1 ½ tablespoons onion powder, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, and 1 ½ teaspoons pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine.
  7. Add Cheeses: Stir in 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese until evenly melted and incorporated.
  8. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish and pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into it, spreading evenly.
  9. Add Toppings: Evenly sprinkle the cooked popcorn chicken over the macaroni, spoon 1 ½ cups marinara sauce on top of the chicken, then cover with the remaining 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese.
  10. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is fully melted and just beginning to brown.
  11. Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot, enjoying the comforting blend of creamy mac and cheese with savory chicken Parmesan flavors.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can add some fresh basil or Italian seasoning to the marinara sauce before baking.
  • If popcorn chicken is unavailable, use bite-sized cooked chicken tenders or nuggets as a substitute.
  • Ensure you stir the macaroni occasionally while cooking to prevent noodles from sticking to the bottom.
  • This dish can be made ahead up to the baking step, then refrigerated and baked just before serving.

Find it online: https://zaracooking.com/chicken-parmesan-mac-and-cheese-recipe/