Name: One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; Salt and pepper, to taste; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni; 3 cups chicken broth; 1 cup milk (whole or 2%); 1 cup marinara sauce; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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If you’re craving a comforting, creamy, and cheesy meal, this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is the answer. It combines the delicious flavors of chicken parmesan and mac and cheese, all in one pot, making it a quick and easy dinner option. Perfect for weeknights, this dish is as satisfying as it is simple.

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Salt and pepper, to taste

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

3 cups chicken broth

1 cup milk (whole or 2%)

1 cup marinara sauce

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

In the same pot, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.

Add the uncooked macaroni, chicken broth, milk, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Stir well to combine.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Stir in the cooked chicken, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

I love how versatile this recipe is, and here are a few ways to make it your own:

Add Veggies: You can easily add in vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to make it even heartier.

Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce to bring in some heat.

Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, like cheddar, provolone, or even a bit of cream cheese for an extra creamy texture.

Chicken Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can swap it for ground turkey, sausage, or even shrimp for a different take.

Storage/Reheating

If you happen to have leftovers (which I doubt you will!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can omit the chicken and add in more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni works great, you can substitute it with penne, rigatoni, or any pasta shape you prefer.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, if you have rotisserie chicken or leftovers, you can skip cooking the chicken and just stir it in when you add the cheese to the pot.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Of course! While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, you can experiment with cheddar, provolone, or any cheese that melts well to get your desired flavor and texture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While this recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for a day. When ready to serve, reheat and add a bit of extra cheese for a fresh, creamy texture.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, packed with flavor and so easy to make. It’s a family-friendly meal that combines two beloved dishes into one, and I promise everyone will love it. Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy your cheesy cravings!

Recipe:

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese combines the flavors of chicken parmesan and mac and cheese into a quick, creamy, and comforting meal. It’s easy to make and requires just one pot for minimal cleanup, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
In the same pot, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Add the uncooked macaroni, chicken broth, milk, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Stir well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the cooked chicken, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve warm.