Hearty One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe

Hey there, mac and cheese lovers!

This incredible one-pot chicken Parmesan mac & cheese brings restaurant-quality comfort directly to your kitchen.

Bold flavors mingle beautifully in every creamy bite, promising a seriously delicious meal that takes minimal effort.

Crispy chicken pieces and melted cheese create an irresistible combination that feels totally indulgent.

The genius of this recipe lies in its simplicity – one pan handles everything from cooking pasta to creating a rich, velvety sauce.

Diving into a dish where classic Italian-American favorites collect in a single, mouthwatering masterpiece.

cheese pulls stretch with each forkful, making this meal perfect for anyone seeking maximum taste with minimal cleanup.

Come hungry and ready to experience pure culinary magic!

How To Store One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm mac & cheese in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Microwave Option: Place portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Freezing Tips: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to preserve original taste and texture.

Sides That Go With 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 pasta, balancing the creamy texture with its bright, zesty notes.
• Serve with Fresh Arugula Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a peppery, tangy contrast to the hearty mac and cheese, adding freshness and balance to the meal.
• Complement with Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread with a crunchy crust perfectly matches the crispy panko topping, offering an additional layer of garlic-infused comfort that enhances the Italian-inspired flavors.
• Create a Side of Roasted Vegetables: Quickly roast seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes to add a colorful, nutritious element that cuts through the dish's richness and adds vibrant Mediterranean flair.

Flavor Ideas For One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Mac: Swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Add diced jalapeños and use pepper jack cheese for extra heat. Top with crispy tortilla strips instead of panko.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Mac: Replace marinara with sun-dried tomato sauce. Mix in crumbled feta cheese and chopped kalamata olives. Sprinkle za'atar spice blend on the breadcrumb topping for authentic Mediterranean flavor.
• Smoky BBQ Chicken Mac: Use barbecue sauce instead of marinara. Incorporate smoked gouda cheese for deep smokiness. Add crispy bacon bits to the breadcrumb topping for extra crunch and rich flavor.
• Pesto Chicken Mac: Substitute marinara with fresh basil pesto. Stir in roasted pine nuts and additional Parmesan cheese. Use herbed breadcrumbs for a green-tinted, aromatic variation that celebrates fresh herb flavors.

FAQs About One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

• Why use a one-pot method for this recipe?

The one-pot method makes cooking super easy and reduces cleanup time. You’ll cook everything in the same skillet, which means fewer dishes and less hassle in the kitchen.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While the recipe works best with short pasta like elbow macaroni or shells, you can experiment with other shapes like penne or rotini. Just keep the cooking liquid proportions similar.

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes! The combination of cheesy mac, crispy chicken, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping makes this a total crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. The familiar flavors are sure to be a hit at the dinner table.

• How can I make this recipe more nutritious?

Try adding some extra vegetables like spinach, diced bell peppers, or zucchini when you’re combining ingredients. This will boost the nutritional value without changing the delicious flavor profile of the dish.

Why One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Is A Weeknight Winner

• Speedy Comfort Fusion: Combines classic chicken parmesan with creamy mac & cheese in one incredible, crowd-pleasing dish that comes together quickly and easily.
• Minimal Cleanup Magic: Single-skillet cooking method means less dishes, reduced kitchen mess, and maximum flavor with minimal effort for busy home cooks.
• Texture Sensation: Delivers perfect balance between crispy panko topping, tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a delightful multi-textural experience.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Kid-approved meal that sneaks in protein, provides satisfying cheesy goodness, and transforms classic comfort foods into an exciting dinner everyone will love.

What You’ll Need For One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

• Chicken: Adds lean protein and hearty flavor to the dish, great for a filling meal.
• Chicken Broth: Provides rich, deep flavor base for cooking pasta.

• Milk: Helps create creamy sauce texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds stretchy, mild cheese flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings sharp, salty, nutty taste to enhance overall dish.

• Pasta: Core component of mac and cheese, preferably medium-sized shapes.
• Marinara Sauce: Adds tangy tomato flavor and Mediterranean touch.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates crispy, golden topping with excellent texture.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing chicken with reliable cooking performance.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides deep background flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds herbal Mediterranean notes.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balanced seasoning.

• Butter: Helps toast breadcrumb topping.
• Fresh Parsley or Basil: Optional garnish for bright color and fresh herbs.

• Additional Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on top for extra flavor punch.

How To Cook One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until golden and fully cooked. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

• Chicken broth
• Milk
• Pasta

Stir everything together and bring to a gentle bubble. Lower heat and let simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta becomes tender and liquid mostly disappears.

Step 3: Melt and Mix

• Marinara sauce
• Cooked chicken
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Stir until cheese melts completely and creates a creamy, luxurious coating.

Step 4: Create Crunchy Topping

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Melted butter
• Grated Parmesan
• Italian seasoning

Sprinkle this mixture evenly across the mac and cheese surface.

Step 5: Crisp Under Broiler

Turn oven to broil. Slide skillet underneath and watch carefully for 2-3 minutes until topping turns golden and crispy.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Allow dish to cool slightly. Scatter fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top. Scoop into bowls and enjoy immediately.

Smart Tips For One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

• Boost Chicken Flavor: Marinate chicken in Italian seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance depth and tenderness.
• Prevent Pasta Sticking: Stir pasta frequently during cooking and use a wide skillet to ensure even heat distribution and prevent clumping.
• Customize Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like fontina or provolone to create a unique, richer flavor profile.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Add extra chicken broth if the pasta seems too dry, or simmer longer to thicken the sauce for a creamier texture.

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting one-pot chicken parmesan mac & cheese blends Italian-American flavors into a creamy, satisfying meal. Crispy chicken, melted cheese, and pasta unite for a delicious dinner you’ll crave on chilly nights.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Starches and Liquid Base:

• 2 ½ cups elbow macaroni
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

Seasonings and Extras:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

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Instructions

1. Season the chicken with aromatic spices, creating a flavorful base for the dish. Sear the pieces in a spacious skillet until golden and thoroughly cooked, then transfer to a waiting plate.
2. Utilize the same pan to create a creamy pasta foundation. Pour in broth and milk, then add the uncooked pasta. Simmer gently, stirring periodically, allowing the pasta to absorb the liquid and become perfectly tender.
3. Introduce marinara sauce to the pasta, creating a rich, vibrant backdrop. Reintegrate the cooked chicken pieces, then fold in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until they melt into a luxurious, velvety mixture.
4. Craft a crispy topping by combining panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, additional Parmesan, and Italian herbs. Sprinkle this crunchy mixture evenly across the mac and cheese surface.
5. Position the skillet beneath the broiler, transforming the dish’s surface into a golden, crisp landscape. Watch carefully to prevent burning, allowing the topping to develop a beautiful bronzed finish.
6. Allow the dish to rest momentarily, letting the flavors meld and settle. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, creating a visually appealing and appetizing presentation ready to be savored.

Notes

• Customize the seasonings by experimenting with different herbs like dried basil or adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs on top.
• Enhance protein content by adding extra cooked chicken or substituting with shredded rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
• To create a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of cheese while maintaining flavor with more herbs and spices.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 61 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg