One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food 🍝🧀
If you’re craving comfort food that’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, look no further than this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese recipe. Combining the best of both worlds — the savory goodness of Chicken Parmesan and the creamy delight of Mac & Cheese — this dish is bound to become a family favorite. Plus, the one-pot nature of the recipe makes cleanup a breeze!
This is a perfect dish for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The crispy, golden chicken combined with the cheesy, comforting pasta and marinara sauce creates an unforgettable dish that’s hearty and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese
- One-Pot Wonder: Say goodbye to piles of dishes! Everything cooks in a single pot, from the chicken to the pasta to the cheesy sauce.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and just one pot, this recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
- Rich & Creamy: The combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and heavy cream makes this dish irresistibly creamy and indulgent.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is sure to please everyone at the table, from picky eaters to cheese lovers.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mac & Cheese:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape you prefer)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In the same pot, add the marinara sauce, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir to combine, scraping up any bits of chicken stuck to the bottom of the pot. This adds extra flavor to your sauce!
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Add the elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape of your choice) to the pot and stir it into the sauce. Bring everything to a simmer, then reduce the heat slightly to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes rich and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Add the Chicken Back In
Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir it into the cheesy pasta mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to reheat the chicken and ensure everything is well combined. Your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is now ready to serve!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the creamy, cheesy mac and cheese onto plates, and enjoy the comforting flavors of Chicken Parmesan in every bite. You can even top it with some fresh basil or a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips and Variations:
Add Extra Veggies:
- You can sneak in some vegetables for added nutrition. Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers all work beautifully in this dish. Just sauté them with the chicken for extra flavor.
Use Different Cheeses:
- While mozzarella and Parmesan give this dish its traditional Chicken Parmesan taste, feel free to experiment with different cheeses. A mix of cheddar, fontina, or provolone can give the dish more complexity and richness.
Spice It Up:
- If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinara sauce. This will bring some extra kick to your mac and cheese.
Use Leftover Chicken:
- This recipe is a great way to repurpose leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. Simply shred or dice the leftover chicken and stir it in when you add the cheese.
Make It Gluten-Free:
- For a gluten-free version, swap the elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta and make sure to check that your broth and marinara sauce are gluten-free as well.
Add Crispy Topping:
- For a crunchy finish, you can top the mac and cheese with breadcrumbs or even a little more grated Parmesan. Place the dish under the broiler for a few minutes to brown the topping.
Why This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is a Must-Try
This dish is the perfect blend of two comfort food classics — Chicken Parmesan and Mac & Cheese — all in one pot. It’s creamy, cheesy, savory, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing a cozy meal for yourself, this recipe delivers big-time flavor without the hassle of a complicated cooking process.
The combination of marinara sauce, chicken broth, and heavy cream creates a rich and velvety sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. Adding the seasoned chicken elevates the dish, giving it the hearty flavor of Chicken Parmesan without the need for frying.
Whether you’re in the mood for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or even meal prep for the week ahead, this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is a recipe that will always hit the spot.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time and then assemble everything when you’re ready to eat. Just reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring in a bit of milk or chicken broth if it needs some moisture.
Can I freeze this dish? Yes, this dish freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and heat it in a pot with a little extra cream or broth to make it creamy again.
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This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is a guaranteed hit, offering the best of comfort food in a convenient, easy-to-make dish. Let me know how it turns out, or if you need more tips for improving your content’s SEO!