Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe for Dinner

Creamy, cheesy one-pot chicken parmesan mac & cheese brings comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Combining two classic favorites creates a magical dinner experience that satisfies deep cravings.

Italian-inspired flavors blend seamlessly in this simple yet impressive dish.

Crispy chicken pieces mingle with melted cheese and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a mouth-watering combination.

No complicated techniques or multiple pans needed for this incredible meal.

Melted mozzarella and golden breadcrumbs add a crispy, irresistible texture that makes you want to dive right in.

Let’s make dinner extraordinary tonight!

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese: Ultimate Comfort in One Dish

• Speed Up Dinner: Combine two comfort food favorites into a single, quick-cooking meal that saves precious minutes in the kitchen.
• Minimize Kitchen Cleanup: Cook everything in one pot, reducing dishes and making post-dinner cleanup a breeze for busy families.
• Kid-Approved Flavor Fusion: Blend classic chicken parmesan with creamy mac and cheese, creating a universally loved dish that satisfies both children and adults.
• Versatile Weeknight Winner: Perfect for casual family dinners, game nights, or when you need a delicious meal without complicated preparation steps.

Ingredients for One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

• Chicken: Tender, diced meat that provides hearty protein and adds substance to the mac and cheese.

• Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that creates a comforting base for this cheesy dish.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy, melty cheeses that create a rich and flavorful sauce with classic Italian taste.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that adds depth and Italian-inspired flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid that helps create a smooth, creamy consistency and enhances overall flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety sauce texture.

• Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that build layers of savory flavor and enhance the overall taste profile.

• Olive Oil: Provides a base for cooking the chicken and adds a subtle, rich undertone to the dish.

Cooking Guide for One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken Chunks

Heat olive oil in a spacious pot over medium heat. Toss in chicken pieces and cook until they transform into golden-brown, fully cooked delights.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Pour in marinara sauce, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Swirl everything together, creating a rich and creamy liquid foundation.

Step 3: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Add macaroni to the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for 8-10 minutes, allowing the pasta to become tender and the liquid to thicken into a luscious sauce.

Step 4: Melt Cheese Magic

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely, transforming the dish into a creamy, dreamy comfort food masterpiece. The sauce should become smooth and irresistibly glossy.

Tips for One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Success

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and easier preparation.
• Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content of the dish.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
• Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the flavor and add a vibrant touch to the final dish.
• For a gluten-free option, replace regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta and ensure marinara sauce is gluten-free certified.

Variations on One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or plant-based protein crumbles, keeping the same cheesy pasta base for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free macaroni and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to increase heat, creating a zesty version of the classic comfort dish.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Adaptation: Incorporate roasted red peppers, black olives, and swap some Parmesan for feta cheese to give the recipe a Mediterranean flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions for One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of the cheesy mac and complements the chicken's savory flavor.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Toasted, buttery garlic bread provides a crunchy texture contrast and helps soak up the creamy sauce while adding extra herbal notes.
• Toss a Fresh Arugula Salad: A light, peppery salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the heavy mac and cheese, bringing brightness and a clean, refreshing element to the meal.
• Match with Sparkling Water with Lemon: A bubbly, citrusy drink cleanses the palate between bites and helps refresh your taste buds from the rich, cheesy dish.

Storage Advice for One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer mac and cheese to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore moisture. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly and creamy.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute macaroni with other short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or shells. Just ensure cooking times remain similar.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, chickpeas, or vegetarian chicken alternatives. The cheese and sauce will provide great flavor.

• How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Cook the pasta just until al dente and avoid overcooking. Stir occasionally and monitor liquid absorption to maintain the perfect texture.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare it in advance and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to restore creaminess.

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this irresistible one-pot chicken parmesan mac & cheese, where creamy pasta embraces crispy chicken in a symphony of flavors. Cheesy, hearty, and simple to prepare, you’ll savor every delightful bite of this crowd-pleasing dinner that brings Italian-American comfort to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Liquid Base:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) elbow macaroni
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream

Seasonings and Oils:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium-high heat, allowing the chicken to sizzle and develop a golden-brown exterior, ensuring complete cooking throughout.
2. Pour marinara sauce, chicken broth, and heavy cream into the pot, creating a harmonious liquid base that will infuse the dish with rich flavors.
3. Introduce macaroni to the liquid mixture, gently stirring and allowing it to simmer for 8-10 minutes until pasta reaches perfect tenderness and the sauce naturally thickens.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese into the pot, complementing with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then stir continuously until cheese melts completely, transforming the sauce into a luxuriously smooth and creamy consistency.
5. Remove from heat and let the mac and cheese rest for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to settle before serving hot.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for lean protein and easier cutting.
• Skip browning chicken if short on time; pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works perfectly as a quick alternative.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting Italian seasoning and adding red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Make this dish gluten-free by using alternative pasta like chickpea or rice pasta without changing core cooking method.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg