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If you love the comforting embrace of mac and cheese combined with the irresistible flavors of Italian classics, then you are absolutely going to adore this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe. It’s a joyful fusion where tender chicken, savory marinara, and creamy cheeses all mingle effortlessly in a single pot, delivering a meal that feels decadent without the fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite, making it a sure-fire winner to share with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a starring role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and rich color in this dish. From the juicy chicken to the creamy cheese blend, everything comes together with ease and delicious purpose.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for sautéing the chicken to a golden brown, adding subtle richness.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: Provides tender, protein-packed chunks that make this dish hearty.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant, savory punch coming through in every bite.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The flavorful base that cooks the pasta and soaks into each piece for unparalleled taste.
- 1 cup marinara sauce: Brings classic Italian flavor and a lovely, vibrant red color to the dish.
- 2 cups elbow macaroni or short pasta: The perfect shape for holding onto cheesy sauce and bits of chicken.
- ½ teaspoon dried basil: Infuses a hint of aromatic earthiness that brightens the whole recipe.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Adds that unmistakable Italian herb note to complement the marinara.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Provides just enough spicy warmth to balance the creaminess.
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to a stretchy, bubbly perfection that makes this dish irresistibly cheesy.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty flavor that adds complexity and depth.
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs: Creates a delightful golden crust when toasted, adding crunch and texture contrast.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Binds the breadcrumbs and adds a luscious buttery finish on top.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A splash of green freshness and color to brighten the presentation.
How to Make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced chicken and let it sizzle away for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally so every piece gets that beautiful golden-brown crust. Once cooked through, remove the chicken and set it aside. This simple first step ensures your chicken stays juicy and flavorful, the perfect base for this dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Pasta and Sauce
In that same pot, no need to dirty another pan, sauté the minced garlic for just about a minute until you can practically smell the garlic enveloping the kitchen. Pour in the chicken broth and marinara sauce, bringing the mixture to a lively boil. Now it’s time to add the pasta along with dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together, then lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes. During this time, your pasta will cook to perfect tenderness while soaking up the rich sauce.
Step 3: Combine and Melt the Cheese
Return the golden chicken chunks to the pot, stirring to incorporate them evenly throughout the luscious mixture. Now comes the star: shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese go in, melting slowly as you stir until the sauce becomes creamy, gooey, and oh-so-satisfying. The cheese transforms the dish into the ultimate comfort food you dreamed of.
Step 4: Prepare the Crunchy Breadcrumb Topping
Mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl until every crumb is glossy and ready to toast. Sprinkle this buttery topping evenly over your cheesy heaven. If your pot is oven-safe, pop it under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown. If not, simply toast the breadcrumbs in a skillet and then sprinkle them on top right before serving. This final touch adds the perfect texture contrast.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if you like that burst of color and freshness. Then serve this fabulous One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe warm for ultimate coziness and flavor. Every bite combines creamy cheese, tender chicken, and crunchy topping for a truly satisfying meal.
How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a wonderful, bright garnish to add right before serving. It cuts through the richness and adds a lovely pop of green. You could also sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan for an extra punch of sharpness or even a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you love a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This dish shines well on its own but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans brings balance with fresh, light textures. Garlic bread or a side of roasted Brussels sprouts would also elevate the meal with additional bold flavors and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in individual oven-safe ramekins for a charming personal touch, complete with toasted breadcrumb topping fresh from the broiler. Or layer it in a casserole dish for a cozy family-style presentation perfect for sharing. Either way, it’s a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You’ll be excited to know that this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe keeps very well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, freeze the cooled dish in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This makes meal planning a breeze on busy days.
Reheating
Warm leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to keep the cheese silky and smooth, or microwave in short bursts until heated through. Add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce seems thick. For that golden crumb top, you can briefly broil after reheating as well.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta shapes for the One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, other short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells work wonderfully here and hold the sauce beautifully.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply skip the chicken and consider adding hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant, or even plant-based chicken alternatives to keep the dish satisfying.
Can I use homemade marinara sauce instead of store-bought?
Definitely! Homemade marinara adds an extra layer of freshness and control over flavors, and it makes the dish even more special.
What can I substitute if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
You can use regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers, although panko adds a lighter, crunchier texture which is ideal for the topping.
Is the dish spicy?
This recipe is mild and comforting by default, but you can easily jazz it up by adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to suit your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe enough for anyone looking to bring a bit of hearty Italian comfort to their table without the fuss. It’s straightforward, delicious, and endlessly satisfying — perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to meals for warm, cheesy happiness.
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One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese combines tender diced chicken, elbow macaroni, and a rich marinara sauce all cooked together and topped with a crispy buttery breadcrumb crust. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make skillet dinner with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses folded in for a creamy, cheesy finish seasoned with Italian herbs.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups elbow macaroni or short pasta
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Breadcrumb Topping
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Prepare the Pasta: In the same pot, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add chicken broth and marinara sauce, then bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook Pasta and Simmer: Stir in pasta, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce thickens.
- Combine and Melt the Cheese: Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Add shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the pasta.
- Brown the Breadcrumbs: If using an oven-safe pot, place it under the broiler for 2–3 minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden brown. If not, toast breadcrumbs in a skillet until golden and sprinkle them over the dish before serving.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Using an oven-safe pot allows you to broil the breadcrumb topping for a crisp finish. Alternatively, toast breadcrumbs separately for a similar effect.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute gluten-free pasta and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
