Cheesy Garlic Macaroni and Chicken Casserole

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, cheesy casserole with tender chicken and al dente macaroni, topped with crispy breadcrumbs and Parmesan. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 70 minutes pairs elbow macaroni, (sliced) chicken breast, milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.7 (12 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook 1.5 cups elbow macaroni in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 300g chicken slices and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup milk, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides.
  4. Step 4: Fold in cooked macaroni and 1/2 cup breadcrumbs. Transfer to a baking dish and top with remaining 1/2 cup breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheesy Garlic Macaroni and Chicken Casserole take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (30 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cheesy Garlic Macaroni and Chicken Casserole?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep elbow macaroni from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cheesy Garlic Macaroni and Chicken Casserole?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cheesy Garlic Macaroni and Chicken Casserole for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cheesy Garlic Macaroni and Chicken Casserole?

American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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