Short Description
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese is a comforting, cheesy dish that combines the flavors of classic chicken parmesan with creamy mac and cheese. Made in just one pot, this easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights while delivering rich, satisfying flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Convenience – Minimal cleanup and easy preparation.
- Comforting & Cheesy – Creamy, cheesy goodness with crispy chicken bites.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes for a hassle-free meal.
- Family-Friendly – Loved by both kids and adults.
- Customizable – Adjust the cheese, pasta type, or spice level to your liking.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Olive oil
- Short pasta (such as elbow, penne, or shells)
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream or milk
- Marinara sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Chicken – Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, then cook until golden brown. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta – In the same pot, add the pasta, chicken broth, heavy cream, and marinara sauce. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer Until Tender – Let the pasta cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Add Cheese – Stir in shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Combine Everything – Add the cooked chicken back to the pot and stir until fully coated in the cheesy sauce.
- Optional Crispy Topping – If desired, sprinkle Panko breadcrumbs on top and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Garnish & Serve – Top with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for heat.
- Extra Cheesy – Mix in cheddar or provolone for a richer flavor.
- Vegetarian Option – Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted eggplant.
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
- Low-Carb – Substitute pasta with cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to retain creaminess.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the cheese sauce may separate when thawed.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.
What pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta like elbow, penne, or shells hold the sauce well.
Can I make this without heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute with whole milk or half-and-half.
How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?
Stir continuously and use freshly shredded cheese for better melting.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The creamy cheese sauce and mild flavors make it a hit with kids.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, but add extra milk when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms make great additions.
Do I need to use both mozzarella and Parmesan?
Mozzarella adds creaminess, while Parmesan gives a rich, salty flavor—both are recommended.
What’s the best way to make the topping crispy?
Broiling with Panko breadcrumbs for a few minutes adds crunch.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, but using a high-quality sauce makes a big difference in flavor.
Conclusion
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort meal, combining cheesy mac with crispy chicken and classic Italian flavors. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for family dinners. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious homemade meal with minimal effort!
PrintOne-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac and Cheese
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy, cheesy mac and cheese is loaded with tender chicken and topped with crispy Parmesan for the perfect comfort meal—all made in one pot for easy cleanup!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cups elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons butter (if using breadcrumbs)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: In the same pot, add the uncooked macaroni, chicken broth, and marinara sauce. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream, mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir until evenly combined.
- Optional Topping: If adding a crispy topping, melt butter in a small pan, stir in panko breadcrumbs, and toast for 2 minutes until golden. Sprinkle over the mac and cheese along with the remaining Parmesan.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra cheesiness, add ½ cup shredded cheddar or provolone.
- Swap chicken for cooked ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
Nutrition
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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