This Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese combines slow-cooked chicken with macaroni in a creamy cheese sauce for a comfort food dinner. The recipe creates a one-pot meal by cooking seasoned chicken in Parmesan garlic sauce, shredding it, then mixing with partially cooked pasta, milk, and multiple cheeses in the slow cooker. The technique relies on slow cooking for hands-off preparation.
The result delivers rich, cheesy pasta with tender chicken in approximately 5 hours.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Slow Cooker Convenience – Hands-off cooking while you handle other tasks.
All-in-One Meal – Combines protein and pasta in single dish.
Creamy Cheese Sauce – Colby Jack and cream cheese create rich coating.
Family-Friendly – Appealing flavors for both children and adults.
Tender Chicken – Slow cooking creates perfectly shredded chicken.
Minimal Active Time – Only 15 minutes prep before slow cooker does the work.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast – provides protein base
- 1/2 teaspoon each: salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder – seasons chicken
- Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic Sauce (amount not specified) – creates cooking liquid and flavor
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni noodles – provides pasta base
- 2 cups whole milk – creates sauce liquid
- 2 1/2 cups Colby Jack cheese – adds primary cheese flavor
- 8 oz cream cheese – contributes creaminess
- Parmesan cheese – for topping
- Parsley – for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Chicken
Place chicken breast in slow cooker and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Pour enough Parmesan Garlic sauce over to cover. Cook on low about 4 hours until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. Shred chicken and return to slow cooker with extra sauce if desired.
Prepare the Pasta
Boil elbow macaroni for about 3 minutes (partially cooked). Drain.
Combine and Cook
Add shredded chicken with macaroni, whole milk, Colby Jack cheese, and cream cheese to slow cooker. Stir well and cook on low for another hour.
Serve
Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
Recipe Notes & Tips
Sauce Amount Unclear – Recipe doesn’t specify quantity of Parmesan Garlic sauce needed.
Partial Pasta Cooking – Only 3 minutes ensures pasta doesn’t become mushy in slow cooker.
Temperature Check – Ensure chicken reaches safe 165°F before shredding.
Stirring Important – Mix well when adding cheese to ensure even melting.
Brand-Specific Sauce – Uses Buffalo Wild Wings branded sauce (available in stores).
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6 people
- Calories per serving: 540 kcal
- Fat: 28g (15g saturated)
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 40g
- Sodium: 870mg
Perfect Pairings
Side Options – Fresh green salad provides balance to rich mac and cheese.
Vegetable Sides – Steamed broccoli or green beans add nutrition.
Bread Options – Garlic bread complements flavors but adds more carbs.
Beverage Choices – Water or unsweetened beverages recommended.
Ideal Occasions
Busy Weeknights – Set in morning and return to ready dinner.
Family Dinners – Kid-friendly flavors appeal to various ages.
Potluck Contributions – Slow cooker format makes transport easy.
Cold Weather Meals – Warming, comforting dish for cooler days.
Storage & Serving Tips
Leftover Management – Refrigerate for 3-4 days in airtight container.
Reheating Method – Warm in microwave or on stovetop with splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Serving Temperature – Best served hot with cheese freshly melted.
Portion Control – 540 calories per serving makes this substantial meal.
Creative Variations to Try
Vegetable Addition – Mix in broccoli, peas, or spinach for nutrition boost.
Different Cheese – Try sharp cheddar or mozzarella variations.
Spicy Version – Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Parmesan sauce.
Bacon Enhancement – Top with crispy bacon bits for smoky element.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Mushy Pasta – Only partially cook macaroni before adding to slow cooker.
Dry Result – Ensure adequate milk and don’t overcook final hour.
Separated Sauce – Stir well when adding cheese and avoid too-high heat.
Bland Flavor – Season chicken well and use flavorful Parmesan sauce.
Why This Recipe Works
This slow cooker mac and cheese succeeds because cooking chicken separately before combining with pasta ensures both components reach proper doneness. The partial pasta cooking prevents mushiness while the combination of Colby Jack and cream cheese creates rich, smooth sauce. The hands-off slow cooker method makes preparation convenient.
At 540 calories with 40g protein per serving, this provides substantial balanced meal.
Final Thoughts
This recipe creates convenient comfort food using slow cooker ease and familiar mac and cheese appeal. The 5-hour timeline requires planning but minimal active work, while the combination of tender chicken with creamy cheese sauce delivers satisfying results. At 540 calories per serving with 28g fat and 870mg sodium, this represents moderately indulgent meal appropriate for occasional family dinners. For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheeses and add steamed broccoli to extend servings while boosting nutrition.
