Mac and Cheese Chicken Alfredo (Printable Version)

Hearty casserole of pasta, chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and crisp golden topping for comforting dinners.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta & Chicken

01 - 12 ounces elbow macaroni
02 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded

→ Cheese & Dairy

03 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
04 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
05 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 2 cups heavy cream
07 - 1 cup whole milk
08 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Sauce & Flavorings

09 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

→ Topping

13 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
14 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
15 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
16 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Boil macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 - Melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until aromatic.
04 - Pour in heavy cream and whole milk. Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Heat gently to a simmer without boiling.
05 - Reduce heat to low and whisk in mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese until completely melted and smooth.
06 - Stir in cooked macaroni and chicken breast, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated with the sauce.
07 - Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
08 - Mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese together in a bowl. Sprinkle uniformly over the casserole.
09 - Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling at the edges.
10 - Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley prior to serving as preferred.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Creamy and cheesy comfort food at its best
  • Perfect way to use up leftover chicken
02 -
  • This dish contains milk and wheat ingredients so be sure to check labels if you have allergies
  • Swapping cheddar for Gruyère or Monterey Jack offers a different flavor twist
03 -
  • Let casserole rest before serving so the sauce sets for cleaner slices
  • Using freshly grated cheese ensures smoother sauce and even melting