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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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