Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese
Slow-cooked chicken breasts in Parmesan garlic sauce combined with pasta, Colby Jack cheese, cream cheese, and milk for a rich, creamy mac and cheese dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
6 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce enough to coat chicken, plus extra to taste
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni pasta
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Prepare and season the chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts into a slow cooker. Season them evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Pour in enough Parmesan Garlic sauce to fully coat the chicken.
Slow cook the chicken:
- Cover and cook the chicken on low heat for approximately 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the meat is tender enough to shred.
Shred and return the chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces, then return the chicken to the slow cooker. Add a small amount of additional Parmesan Garlic sauce, if desired, to enhance flavor and moisture.
Parboil the pasta:
- In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add a generous amount of salt. Cook the elbow macaroni for approximately 3 minutes—just until partially tender. Drain and set aside.
Combine pasta and cheeses:
- To the slow cooker, add the partially cooked macaroni, whole milk, shredded Colby Jack cheese, and cream cheese. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
Continue slow cooking:
- Cover and cook on low for an additional 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure the cheese melts uniformly and the pasta absorbs the sauce.
Garnish and serve:
- Before serving, sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the elbow macaroni with your preferred certified gluten-free pasta. Additionally, ensure that the Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce and all cheese brands used are labeled gluten-free, as some commercial sauces and shredded cheeses may contain hidden gluten or be subject to cross-contamination.