This Parmesan garlic chicken mac and cheese recipe came together on one of those nights when I had no plan just chicken, pasta, and a bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic sauce. I threw it all into one pot, hoping for something comforting.
It turned out better than expected creamy, cheesy, with just the right garlic punch. Now it’s one of those dishes I come back to when I want something fast, filling, and honestly, really satisfying.
I love pairing it with a crisp side like my Simple Southwest Cucumber Salad or ending dinner with something sweet like these Muddy Buddy Rice Krispies.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredients & Step-by-Step Instructions
To make this Parmesan garlic chicken mac and cheese recipe, you don’t need fancy ingredients just a few pantry basics and the right sauce to bring it all together. It’s creamy, bold, and seriously comforting.
you’ll need:Parmesan garlic chicken mac and cheese recipe
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
Dairy
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2.5 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or more to taste)
Sauce
- Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce (enough to coat)
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
How to make it: Parmesan garlic chicken mac and cheese recipe
- Cook the chicken – Season your chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Sauté it in a skillet with a little oil over medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side. Once done, shred or cube it and set aside.
- Boil the pasta – Cook the elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce – In the same pot, add milk and cream cheese to the cooked pasta. Stir on medium heat until smooth, then gradually mix in Colby Jack cheese until melted.
- Combine – Add the cooked chicken and Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce. Stir until everything is coated and creamy.
- Serve – Transfer to a dish, sprinkle with Parmesan, garnish with parsley, and enjoy!
Want more easy skillet dinners like this? You’ll love this Easy Bacon Butter Chicken Skillet or wrap up leftovers inside Simple Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for lunch the next day.
Quick Twists & Easy Upgrades
One thing I love about this Parmesan garlic chicken mac and cheese recipe? It’s easy to adjust. Some nights I keep it classic, other times I bake it with breadcrumbs or toss in extra spice.
No Buffalo Wild Wings sauce? A mix of mayo, garlic, Parmesan, and a splash of lemon does the trick. Rotisserie chicken works great too when I’m in a rush.
I’ve even folded leftovers into Simple Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for lunch or served it with Carlis Bee Cheese for a creamy-sweet side.Parmesan garlic chicken mac and cheese recipe.
Whatever the day looks like, this dish fits right in.
Storing and Serving It Right
How to Store Parmesan garlic chicken mac and cheese recipe
This Parmesan garlic chicken mac and cheese recipe holds up well in the fridge. Just scoop it into an airtight container, and it’ll keep for up to 3 days. I always add a splash of milk when reheating to bring the sauce back to life.
What to Serve It With
I usually pair it with something cool and crunchy like my Cucumber Ranch Crack Salad—it balances the richness. And if we’re having guests, a sweet treat like Pink Pony Jello Shots makes it feel like a fun night in.
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FAQs Parmesan garlic chicken mac and cheese recipe
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! The Parmesan garlic chicken mac and cheese recipe is great for prepping in advance. Just store it covered in the fridge, then reheat with a splash of milk to keep it creamy. Add fresh parsley right before serving to freshen it up.
What if I don’t have Buffalo Wild Wings sauce?
No problem. You can mix mayo, Parmesan, minced garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice as a quick homemade alternative. It won’t be exact, but it still delivers bold, garlicky flavor.
Is this dish suitable for kids?
Absolutely. If you’re worried about spice, use less of the sauce or choose a milder cheese blend. Kids usually love the creamy texture and familiar mac and cheese base.
Can I use a different sauce if I can’t find Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic?
Definitely. Any creamy garlic or ranch-based sauce works. Even Alfredo or Caesar dressings can stand in for a different twist on the same comfort.
Can I cook this on high in the slow cooker to save time?
It’s not recommended. Low and slow is best if you’re using a slow cooker—around 2 to 3 hours on low. Cooking on high may dry out the pasta or make the cheese sauce separate.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Yes, and it’s a great time-saver! Just shred it and add it in when combining the sauce and pasta. It’s a perfect shortcut for busy nights.
Weeknight Comfort, Done Right
This Parmesan garlic chicken mac and cheese recipe is one of those meals I keep coming back to. It’s simple enough for a weeknight, rich enough for a weekend, and flexible enough to fit whatever’s in the fridge.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping ahead, or just craving something creamy and garlicky—this dish delivers.
Print
Parmesan garlic chicken mac and cheese recipe – Rich, Creamy & Easy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you’re craving serious comfort food.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups whole milk
2.5 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce (to taste)
Chopped fresh parsley (garnish)
Instructions
1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Cook in a skillet until fully done and golden.
2. Shred or cube the chicken and set aside.
3. Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. In the same pot, stir together the cooked pasta, milk, and cream cheese over medium heat until smooth.
5. Gradually add shredded Colby Jack cheese and stir until fully melted.
6. Add chicken and Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce. Stir well to coat.
7. Serve topped with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.
Notes
For extra crisp, bake with breadcrumbs at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.
Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Add a splash of milk when reheating leftovers to maintain creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: Parmesan garlic chicken mac and cheese recipe, creamy mac and cheese, chicken pasta, buffalo wild wings recipe
