Description
Creamy chicken parmesan mac and cheese blends Italian-American comfort classics into one indulgent dish. Rich cheese sauce and crispy chicken create a memorable meal that satisfies deep cravings. You’ll love this hearty dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (0.45 kg) frozen popcorn chicken
- 4 cups (960 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) shredded Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Liquid:
- 1 lb (0.45 kg) macaroni
- 4 cups (960 ml) water
- 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) marinara sauce
- 10.5 oz (298 g) condensed cheddar cheese soup
Seasonings:
- 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the popcorn chicken according to package instructions, ensuring a crispy golden exterior.
- Heat the oven to 400°F, creating an ideal environment for melting and browning.
- Combine water and heavy cream in a large pot, bringing the liquid to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Submerge macaroni noodles into the boiling liquid, stirring to prevent sticking. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low, allowing noodles to simmer for 8 minutes, stirring periodically.
- Remove lid and incorporate condensed cheddar cheese soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, mixing thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Fold in 2 cups of mozzarella and the entire portion of Parmesan cheese, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the cheesy macaroni to a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish, creating an even layer. Distribute the cooked popcorn chicken across the surface, then drizzle marinara sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top for an additional layer of melty goodness.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 13-15 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt completely and develop a light golden-brown crust.
- Remove from oven and let rest briefly before serving this indulgent comfort dish.
Notes
- Choose crispy popcorn chicken for a quick and effortless protein boost that adds delightful texture to the creamy mac and cheese.
- Experiment with homemade marinara or swap for alfredo sauce to customize flavor profiles and match personal preferences.
- Opt for gluten-free pasta and breadcrumb-coated chicken to make this dish celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
- Consider reducing heavy cream and using low-fat milk alternatives for a lighter version that still maintains rich, comforting qualities.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 800
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg