One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

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! 🍽️✨