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
Scale
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.
