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One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Keywords: chicken parmesan, mac and cheese, one-pot meal, creamy, cheesy, easy dinner, family-friendly

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/one-pot-chicken-parmesan-mac-cheese/