If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the comforting embrace of mac & cheese with the bold flavors of chicken parmesan, your dreams have officially come true. This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe takes everything you love about two classic favorites and blends them into one incredible dish that’s as simple to make as it is delicious to eat. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with juicy pieces of tender chicken, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for a weeknight dinner or any time you want a little extra indulgence without a mountain of cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All great dishes start with great ingredients, and this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe is no exception. Each component works together to create layers of flavor, texture, and aroma that make every bite unforgettable.
- 2 boneless chicken breasts: Perfectly lean and tender, these are the star proteins that bring the dish together.
- 2 cups elbow macaroni: The classic shape that holds onto all the cheesy goodness.
- 1 cup marinara sauce: Adds rich tomato tang and Italian flair to the creamy base.
- 1 cup milk (whole preferred): Creates that smooth, luscious cheese sauce everyone craves.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Enhances depth of flavor and helps cook the pasta perfectly.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, stretchy texture we all adore.
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese: Delivers a sharp, nutty bite that elevates every mouthful.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds fragrant warmth and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A herby blend that brings authentic Mediterranean magic.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter: For searing the chicken and sautéing the garlic, adding richness.
How to Make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Season your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse them with flavor right from the start. Cook each side for about 4 to 5 minutes until you get a gorgeous golden crust and the chicken is cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside to rest — this helps retain juicy tenderness in every bite.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Using the same pot with all the flavorful drippings, toss in the minced garlic. Stir it around for about a minute until it’s fragrant and just beginning to soften. This simple step layers aromatic richness beneath the creamy sauce that’s about to come together, so don’t skip it.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta
Now, pour in the marinara sauce, whole milk, and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir, creating a deliciously vibrant base. Gradually add the elbow macaroni, making sure it’s fully submerged in the liquid mixture. Bring this combination to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic begins as your pasta will slowly soak up all the incredible flavors.
Step 4: Cook Pasta and Combine
Let the pot simmer uncovered for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally so the macaroni doesn’t stick. You’ll notice the noodles soften and absorb the savory sauce, getting perfectly tender but still with a little bite, just like you want in mac & cheese.
Step 5: Incorporate Cheeses and Chicken
Slice your rested chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot. Then sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese. Stir gently until all the cheese melts and melds into a rich, creamy sauce that wraps every noodle and chicken morsel with dreamy cheesiness. This step elevates the dish to pure comfort food heaven.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve
Give your cheesy masterpiece a quick taste and adjust the seasoning with a pinch more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed. Serve your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe warm, and prepare for an outpouring of compliments and requests for seconds.
How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing can take this dish from delicious to extraordinary. Freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a burst of color and fresh flavor that balances the cheese. A sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese on top adds a lovely salty finish and a touch of elegance. For a bit of heat, try a few red pepper flakes — they pair beautifully with the marinara notes.
Side Dishes
This mac & cheese recipe can stand alone as a hearty meal, but if you want to round it out, consider a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm focaccia complements the Italian flavors beautifully and provides a satisfying crunch. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus add both color and nutrition to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe in individual ramekins topped with extra melted cheese and breadcrumbs, toasted under the broiler until golden. You could also stuff it into bell peppers or hollowed-out tomatoes for a playful presentation that’s sure to impress dinner guests. No matter how you present it, this dish shines.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as satisfying as fresh.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze this dish. Place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy texture if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid high heat to keep your mac & cheese luscious and prevent the cheese from separating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional and ideal for holding the sauce, any small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne will work well in this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth is an excellent substitute. It maintains the depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to keep it hearty without meat. Just make sure you use vegetable broth instead.
How do I get the chicken extra crispy?
If you prefer a crispier chicken topping, you can lightly bread the chicken breasts with panko before searing or finish the dish under the broiler for a few minutes, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can prep the chicken and even chop your garlic and seasonings ahead of time. While you’ll want to cook the pasta fresh, assembling the sauce and ingredients just before cooking keeps the texture perfect.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe is a comforting, crowd-pleasing mashup that brings cozy comfort and bold Italian flavors together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy night or impressing friends at a casual dinner, this dish promises to satisfy those cheesy cravings with minimal fuss. Give it a try soon — it might just become your new favorite weeknight classic!
Print
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender seared chicken breasts with creamy, cheesy macaroni cooked in a rich marinara sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it unites the classic flavors of chicken parmesan with the creamy goodness of homemade mac and cheese, all prepared in a single pot for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Pasta and Sauce
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook them until golden on both sides and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to rest.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add minced garlic and stir continuously for about one minute until fragrant to create a flavorful base for the dish.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the marinara sauce, milk, and chicken broth, stirring everything to combine evenly. Gradually add the elbow macaroni, ensuring it is fully submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to start cooking the pasta.
- Cook Pasta and Combine: Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. The pasta will absorb the flavorful liquids and become tender during this time.
- Incorporate Cheeses and Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and return the pieces to the pot. Add shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese, stirring gently until the cheese melts completely and blends into a creamy sauce.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the mac & cheese and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as desired. Serve the dish warm and enjoy the comforting combination of cheesy pasta and savory chicken.
Notes
- Using whole milk helps create a richer, creamier sauce but you can substitute with 2% milk if preferred.
- If you like a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a subtle kick.
- For an extra crispy topping, transfer the mac & cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle additional parmesan cheese, and broil for 2-3 minutes.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently over low heat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
