Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese combines the classic flavors of Chicken Parmesan with the creamy, comforting goodness of macaroni and cheese. It’s an easy, one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, requiring minimal cleanup while delivering maximum flavor. Whether you’re a mac & cheese lover or a fan of Italian-inspired dishes, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Mac & Cheese:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
For Topping (Optional):
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced chicken breasts, season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pot and set aside.
2. Cook the Pasta
- In the same pot, add elbow macaroni, marinara sauce, chicken broth, and milk.
- Stir well and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
3. Make It Creamy
- Once the pasta is fully cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in butter, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
4. Add the Chicken
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir well to coat with the cheesy sauce.
- Let it cook for 2 more minutes to blend the flavors together.
5. Prepare the Crunchy Topping (Optional)
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) if you want a crispy topping.
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mac & cheese in the pot or transfer everything to a baking dish.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese!
Pro Tips for the Best One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese
- Use fresh, high-quality cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
- Adjust the spice level – Add red pepper flakes for extra heat or omit them for a milder dish.
- Try different pasta shapes – While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use rotini, penne, or shells for a fun twist.
- Make it even cheesier – If you love extra cheese, add an extra 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella on top before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken?
Yes! If using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, just shred it and add it when stirring in the cheese to warm through.
2. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
3. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare everything except the crispy topping, then refrigerate. When ready to eat, reheat, add breadcrumbs, and bake.
4. Can I Make It Lighter?
For a lighter version, use low-fat milk, reduce cheese by half, and swap butter for olive oil.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is the perfect comfort food with creamy, cheesy goodness and the delicious flavors of Chicken Parmesan. Whether for a quick family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish will satisfy all your cravings with minimal effort and cleanup!
Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious, hassle-free meal! 🍽️✨
