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

Scale

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

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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.