One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe
Introduction
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese combines the comforting creaminess of mac and cheese with the classic flavors of chicken parmesan. It’s a quick, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and flavorful with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces pasta (such as elbow macaroni or shells)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, cook the chicken pieces over medium heat until they are no longer pink and cooked through.
- Step 2: Add the pasta to the pot with the chicken, along with enough water to cover the pasta. Cook until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 3: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce is well combined with the pasta and chicken.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving to thicken slightly.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, season the chicken with Italian herbs, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes before cooking.
- Swap mozzarella for a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to enhance the parmesan flavor.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences.
- Add sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or milk to restore creaminess if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken to save time. Just add it in when you stir in the sauce and cheese to warm through.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, shells, or penne work well because they hold the sauce and cheese nicely.
PrintOne-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese combines the classic Italian flavors of chicken parmesan with creamy mac and cheese, all cooked together in a single pot for a quick, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni or your choice of pasta
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
Sauce & Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken seasoned with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cook pasta and chicken together: Add the uncooked pasta to the pot with the cooked chicken. Pour in the chicken broth or water, making sure the pasta is covered. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add marinara sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce with the cooked pasta and chicken, mixing well to combine and warm the sauce through.
- Incorporate the cheeses: Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses until melted and creamy, coating the pasta and chicken evenly.
- Serve hot: Spoon the cheesy chicken parmesan mac & cheese into bowls and serve immediately, optionally garnished with fresh basil or parsley.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with water or vegetable broth for different flavor profiles.
- Feel free to add garlic or onion powder to the chicken for extra seasoning.
- Use freshly grated cheese for best melting and flavor results.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of broth slightly or cook pasta longer to absorb more liquid.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: chicken parmesan, mac and cheese, one-pot meal, easy dinner, comfort food, Italian-inspired
