Description
This Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese combines crispy popcorn chicken with creamy, cheesy macaroni and a savory marinara topping, baked to golden perfection. A comforting, family-friendly dish that’s easy to prepare in just 40 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
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 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 (divided)
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Cook the frozen popcorn chicken according to the package instructions until crispy and fully heated through. Set aside.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare it for baking the assembled dish.
- Boil and Cook Macaroni: In a large pot, bring together the 4 cups of water and 2 cups of heavy cream to a boil. Add the macaroni and stir to submerge evenly. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Remove the lid and stir in the cheddar cheese soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper thoroughly. Add 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese to the pot and stir until the cheese has melted and the mixture is creamy.
- Assemble the Dish: Transfer the cheesy macaroni mixture into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Evenly distribute the cooked popcorn chicken over the macaroni, then spoon the marinara sauce over the chicken. Finally, sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and starting to brown on top.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy this rich and comforting chicken parmesan mac and cheese!
Notes
- You can substitute fresh cooked chicken tenders if preferred instead of frozen popcorn chicken.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture or marinara sauce.
- Use low-fat cheese options to reduce calories and fat content if desired.
- Make sure to stir the macaroni occasionally during cooking to prevent it from sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
