One-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
Scale
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
