Few dishes scream comfort food louder than a bubbling, golden-topped casserole of creamy, cheesy macaroni. This Three-Cheese Chicken Macaroni Bake takes the classic to a whole new level by combining tender chunks of chicken with a velvety three-cheese sauce and a crispy topping that adds the perfect contrast to every creamy bite. It’s a full meal in one pan that’s as hearty as it is satisfying.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a hungry crowd, this bake is rich without being overwhelming. The combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan creates a balanced flavor profile—cheddar brings sharpness, Monterey Jack adds a mild creaminess, and Parmesan offers a salty, nutty kick that rounds out the sauce beautifully. The chicken provides protein and substance, making the dish more filling and nutritious than traditional mac and cheese.
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be prepped ahead of time. Whether you’re cooking for a potluck, planning leftovers for lunch, or making something special for the family, it fits the bill. The topping—either crushed garlic croutons or panko—adds a delightful crunch that’s impossible to resist. It’s the little detail that elevates this from simple pasta to a crave-worthy main course.
It also reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. Like many cheesy pasta dishes, the flavors deepen after a night in the fridge, making the leftovers arguably even better. With just the right balance of creamy and crispy textures and bold, savory flavors, this bake is guaranteed to become a household favorite.
Servings: 6
Total Time: 50 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients :
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1 cup crushed garlic croutons or panko for topping
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
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