Description
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is a delicious, creamy, and comforting dish combining tender chicken, cheesy macaroni, and flavorful marinara sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it comes together quickly with minimal cleanup while delivering all the beloved flavors of chicken parmesan in a hearty mac and cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Pasta and Sauce
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cheeses
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Topping (Optional)
- 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting breadcrumbs)
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: In the same pot, add the uncooked elbow macaroni, chicken broth, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Cheese and Chicken: Stir the cooked chicken back into the pot along with the Parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese (if using). Mix until the cheeses melt completely, creating a creamy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken.
- Toast Breadcrumbs (Optional): In a small pan, melt butter over medium heat and toast the seasoned breadcrumbs until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs over the mac and cheese.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve the dish hot. For an extra golden top, you can broil the finished dish for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut by adding it in step 4 instead of cooking raw chicken.
- To get a crispy, browned cheese and breadcrumb topping, broil the finished dish for 2–3 minutes.
- If you prefer, cheddar cheese can be omitted or substituted based on your taste preferences.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a nice bright flavor and should be added just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
