If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal that combines all your favorite flavors into one pot, the One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe is about to become your new go-to dish. Imagine tender, juicy chicken paired with creamy, cheesy macaroni, all simmered together with marinara sauce and Italian seasoning to create a luscious, deeply flavorful meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. This recipe blends the best of chicken parmesan and mac & cheese in a delightfully effortless, one-pot experience that will leave everyone at the table smiling.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this magic happen, all you need are a handful of simple but essential ingredients that work harmoniously to deliver incredible taste, satisfying textures, and vibrant color. Each component from the rich cheeses to the fragrant garlic plays a vital role in turning basic pantry staples into a soul-warming feast.
- 2 boneless chicken breasts: The star protein, providing juicy, tender bites with a crispy sear that holds in flavor.
- 2 cups elbow macaroni: Classic pasta shape that holds onto sauce perfectly for every cheesy mouthful.
- 1 cup marinara sauce: Adds a tangy, tomato-rich depth reminiscent of traditional chicken parmesan.
- 1 cup whole milk: Creamy base liquid that helps make the cheese sauce luxuriously smooth.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Boosts flavor and helps cook the pasta without needing extra water.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to give gooey, stretchy comfort in every bite.
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese: Provides a salty, nutty punch that elevates the whole dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic warmth and just the right savory kick.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings herby notes reminiscent of authentic Italian flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning that enhances all the other ingredients.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter: For searing the chicken and building flavor at the start.
How to Make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Begin by heating your olive oil or butter over medium heat in a large pot. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse every bite with flavor. Cook the chicken until it develops a gorgeous golden crust on each side, about 4 to 5 minutes per side, locking in the juiciness. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to rest while you build the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Using the same pot, toss in the minced garlic and stir for about a minute until it becomes fragrant and starts to bloom. This quick step releases the garlic’s aromatic oils, creating a delicious flavor foundation for your mac & cheese sauce to build upon.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta
Pour in the marinara sauce, whole milk, and chicken broth, stirring everything together to marry those vibrant tomato and creamy flavors. Gradually add in the elbow macaroni, making sure all the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer so the pasta begins to absorb all that wonderful seasoning and softness.
Step 4: Cook Pasta and Combine
Leave the pot uncovered and simmer the mixture for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. During this time, the elbow macaroni will soak up the liquids and become perfectly tender while all those flavors mingle into one cohesive sauce.
Step 5: Incorporate Cheeses and Chicken
Slice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces and return them to the pot. Add the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan, then gently stir to melt the cheeses into a velvety, gooey sauce that envelops both the pasta and chicken. This is the moment the dish truly transforms into a heavenly casserole of cheesy comfort.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve
Give your mac & cheese a final taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or a sprinkle more Italian herbs if desired. Serve this warm and watch as it becomes the star of dinner, bringing smiles all around the table with its irresistible blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors.
How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your presentation by topping with freshly chopped basil or parsley to add a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma. A little extra grated parmesan sprinkled on top adds a lovely finish and an inviting cheesiness that beckons you to dive in.
Side Dishes
Keep sides simple and fresh to balance the richness. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some steamed broccoli with lemon zest provides a clean, crunchy contrast. Garlic bread is a classic companion that perfectly complements the Italian-inspired flavors here.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish straight from the pot for a casual and cozy family-style meal, or plate individual portions into shallow bowls topped with extra herbs and a drizzle of olive oil for a touch of elegance. For a fun twist, try baking it briefly under a broiler with extra mozzarella on top for a bubbly, golden crust before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner after a busy day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just note that the texture of the pasta might soften slightly after thawing, but the flavor remains just as delicious.
Reheating
Warm your leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to reintroduce creaminess. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to heat evenly and preserve that signature cheesiness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional and works great in this recipe, feel free to swap in other short pasta like penne, shells, or rotini. Just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly as needed.
Is it okay to use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
Yes, you can use low-fat milk, but whole milk provides creaminess and helps create a richer sauce. Skim or low-fat options might result in a thinner texture.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Definitely! Using pre-cooked chicken saves time. Add it in during the cheese-melting step just to warm through, and skip the initial searing step.
How spicy is this dish?
This dish is mild and comforting with classic Italian seasoning. If you like a little kick, you can add crushed red pepper flakes during the garlic sauté step for heat.
What can I substitute for the marinara sauce if I don’t have any?
You can use canned diced tomatoes seasoned with herbs or a tomato paste diluted with water and Italian seasoning. It won’t be quite the same but will still give you that tasty tomato backbone.
Final Thoughts
The One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe truly brings the best of both worlds into a single, satisfying meal that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish promises comfort, joy, and a proud moment at the dinner table. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes one of your favorites too!
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One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is a comforting, cheesy dish combining tender seared chicken breasts with creamy macaroni cooked in marinara, milk, and chicken broth. Finished with mozzarella and parmesan cheese, it’s a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
Pasta and Dairy
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Liquids and Sauce
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
Seasonings and Aromatics
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, approximately 4-5 minutes per side, ensuring they are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to rest.
- Sauté Aromatics: Using the same pot, add the minced garlic. Stir and cook for about one minute until fragrant, allowing the garlic to release its flavor and build the base of the dish.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the marinara sauce, milk, and chicken broth into the pot. Stir to combine all liquids. Gradually add the elbow macaroni, making sure it is fully submerged in the liquid mixture. Bring everything to a simmer to initiate the pasta cooking process.
- Cook Pasta and Combine: Let the mixture simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot. During this time, the macaroni will absorb the liquid and soften to perfect tenderness.
- Incorporate Cheeses and Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into pieces and return them to the pot. Add the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese, stirring gently until the cheeses melt completely and blend into the sauce, creating a creamy, cheesy consistency.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the mac and cheese and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as preferred. Serve the dish warm for a comforting meal experience.
Notes
- Use whole milk for the creamiest texture, but you can substitute with low-fat milk if preferred.
- Stir frequently while simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
- For a spicier variation, add red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier texture.
