Description
This Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese combines the comforting creaminess of classic macaroni and cheese with crispy popcorn chicken and savory marinara sauce, all baked to golden perfection. It’s a hearty, family-friendly dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Mac and Cheese
- 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
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Chicken and Topping
- 1 lb frozen popcorn chicken
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the popcorn chicken: Prepare the frozen popcorn chicken according to the package instructions until crispy and heated through. Set aside.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the assembled dish.
- Cook macaroni: In a large pot, bring the water and heavy cream to a boil. Add the macaroni, stirring so it is fully submerged. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Make cheese sauce: Remove the lid from the pot, then stir in the condensed cheddar cheese soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined. Add 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese, stirring continually until the cheeses melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the cheesy macaroni mixture into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Evenly distribute the cooked popcorn chicken on top, then spoon the marinara sauce over the chicken. Finally, sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted and starting to turn golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy this cheesy, crispy, and flavorful Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese!
Notes
- Make sure to stir the macaroni occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking or burning.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting and texture.
- If you prefer, substitute frozen popcorn chicken with homemade breaded chicken tenders.
- Adjust garlic and onion powder quantities to your taste preference.
- Cover the casserole with foil if the cheese starts browning too quickly while baking.
