One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese
If you’re craving a comforting meal that hits all the right notes, this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is your new go-to dish. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and that classic Italian flair, it’s a simple, satisfying dinner that can be whipped up in minutes. This recipe combines two beloved favorites—chicken parmesan and mac & cheese—into one delightful pot, making cleanup a breeze and family satisfaction guaranteed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless One-Pot Meal: Save time on cooking and cleaning with everything cooked in a single pot.
- Creamy and Cheesy Comfort: The perfect balance of gooey cheese and tender pasta delivers ultimate comfort food vibes.
- Family-Friendly Flavors: Loved by kids and adults alike, this recipe hits that satisfying savory note everyone craves.
- Quick and Easy Prep: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easy to modify with different cheeses, vegetables, or protein to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese uses straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each add to the dish’s richness, flavor, and texture. From the tender chicken to the creamy cheese sauce and tomato notes, every component is essential.
- Boneless Chicken Breast: Provides tender, juicy protein that’s easily cooked right in the pot.
- Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta shape for mac and cheese, ensuring perfect sauce absorption.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, giving you that signature cheesy pull.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, sharp flavor to enhance the ‘parm’ authenticity.
- Marinara Sauce: Brings a rich, tangy tomato base that complements the cheese remarkably.
- Milk: Creates a creamy and smooth cheese sauce texture.
- Garlic and Italian Seasoning: Infuse the dish with warm, aromatic depth.
- Olive Oil: Sautéing chicken and garlic for a nice caramelized foundation.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings to round out all flavors perfectly.
Variations for One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese
One of the best parts about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Feel free to get creative and make it uniquely yours!
- Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or eggplant slices for that parmesan feel without meat.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to bring some heat.
- Gluten-Free Swap: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free for a safe alternative.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute dairy-free cheese and milk to accommodate lactose intolerance.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
How to Make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook them until golden and no longer pink inside, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside to rest, then shred or cut into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Add Pasta
In the same pot, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in uncooked elbow macaroni along with a mix of water and milk, marinara sauce, and a pinch more seasoning. Bring everything to a simmer.
Step 3: Cook Pasta and Combine Ingredients
Simmer the pasta until tender and most of the liquid has absorbed, stirring regularly to prevent sticking. Add the shredded chicken back into the pot during the last few minutes of cooking, letting the flavors meld.
Step 4: Stir in the Cheeses
Once the pasta is cooked, lower the heat and stir in grated mozzarella and parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Dish out your comforting One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if you like, and watch it disappear fast!
Pro Tips for Making One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese
- Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly grated mozzarella and parmesan melt better and provide richer flavor than pre-shredded versions.
- Control the Sauce Thickness: Adjust milk quantity if the sauce seems too thick or thin while cooking the pasta.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercook your pasta, as it will continue softening when combined with hot cheese and chicken.
- Don’t Skip Resting Chicken: Letting cooked chicken rest before shredding keeps it juicy and tender.
- Stir Often: To prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, stir frequently especially once pasta is added.
How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese
Garnishes
Fresh basil, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese on top adds color, aroma, and an inviting finish to this dish.
Side Dishes
A simple green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus balance the rich, cheesy flavors with light freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in individual ramekins for a cute, personal portion experience or bake with extra cheese on top for a golden crust before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer cooled leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to keep the flavors fresh and textures intact.
Freezing
Freeze One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, penne, rotini, or shells work beautifully as they hold onto the cheese sauce well.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Adding crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños during cooking will give your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese a pleasant heat boost.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can cook the pasta and chicken separately ahead of time, then combine everything just before serving to keep the texture fresh.
What cheeses work best besides mozzarella and parmesan?
Cheddar, provolone, or fontina are excellent alternatives or additions, lending different layers of flavor and creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is pure comfort food magic—rich, cheesy, and packed with heartwarming flavors that’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it’s perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without the hassle. Trust me, once you try it, this creamy and cheesy dish will be a favorite for your family and friends to ask for again and again!
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One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting meal that combines tender chicken parmesan flavors with classic mac & cheese in a single pot. Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers family-friendly, savory satisfaction with minimal cleanup.
- 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
- Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free pasta and marinara)
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 boneless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
Pasta
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
Cheeses
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (freshly grated recommended)
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated recommended)
Liquids & Sauce
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup water
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare and Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken until golden brown and no longer pink inside, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove from pot and set aside to rest. Once rested, shred or cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Garlic and Add Pasta: In the same pot, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, marinara sauce, milk, water, and an additional pinch of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Cook Pasta and Combine Ingredients: Simmer the mixture, stirring regularly to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 10-12 minutes. During the last few minutes, add the shredded chicken back into the pot to combine flavors.
- Stir in the Cheeses: Lower the heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese until fully melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, optionally garnished with fresh basil or chopped parsley. Enjoy this warm and comforting one-pot meal!
Notes
- Use freshly grated mozzarella and parmesan for better melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Adjust the amount of milk during cooking to control the thickness of the cheese sauce.
- Slightly undercook pasta as it will continue to soften when mixed with hot cheese and chicken.
- Let cooked chicken rest before shredding to keep it juicy and tender.
- Stir frequently during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking and to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: chicken parmesan, mac and cheese, one-pot meal, creamy, cheesy, easy dinner, family-friendly
