Description
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese combines creamy, cheesy macaroni with tender, savory chicken parmesan in a single pot for an easy, comforting, and flavorful weeknight meal. This hearty dish blends tender pasta in a rich cheese sauce with juicy chicken and melted parmesan, making it a satisfying, minimal-cleanup favorite for families and guests alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
Pasta & Dairy
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta type)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups milk (or dairy-free alternative)
Sauce & Aromatics
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon fresh basil leaves or 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Oils & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions
- Prepare and Sauté the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat, then cook the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Combine Pasta: In the same pot, add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and translucent. Stir in the crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce to deglaze the pot. Then add uncooked macaroni, chicken broth, and milk. Mix well to combine the pasta with the liquids and sauce.
- Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta absorbs most of the liquid and becomes tender, about 12-15 minutes. This step lets the flavors meld beautifully.
- Add Cheese and Chicken Back In: Stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and mix gently so every bite is cheesy and savory.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once heated through, taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheeses for better melting and texture.
- Do not overcook pasta; keep it tender but not mushy by monitoring during simmering.
- Pound thicker chicken pieces to even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Stir frequently during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even coating.
- Add seasoning gradually and adjust near the end to balance flavors perfectly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: chicken parmesan, mac and cheese, one-pot, comfort food, easy dinner, creamy pasta, cheesy chicken