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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Pour marinara sauce, chicken broth, and heavy cream into the pot, creating a harmonious liquid base that will infuse the dish with rich flavors.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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