If you’re craving a comforting meal that wraps the best flavors of Italian and creamy mac and cheese all in one pot, you’re going to fall head over heels for this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe. Imagine tender chicken, cheesy elbow macaroni swimming in a rich marinara broth, topped with golden, crunchy breadcrumbs that take this dish from delicious to downright irresistible. It’s a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate and is perfect for any night you want a satisfying, homemade meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients are at the heart of this dish, each playing a pivotal role in building layers of flavor and texture. From juicy chicken to the perfect blend of cheeses and fragrant herbs, every component is essential to creating this spectacular one-pot dinner.
- Olive oil: Provides a smooth base to sauté the chicken and garlic, adding subtle richness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, diced for quick cooking and tender bites.
- Garlic: Adds a fragrant depth that wakes up the whole dish with a gentle kick.
- Chicken broth: Acts as the flavorful liquid for cooking the pasta and infusing the dish.
- Marinara sauce: Brings a bright, tangy tomato base that defines the classic chicken Parmesan flavor.
- Elbow macaroni or short pasta: Perfect for soaking up cheese and sauce, creating that indulgent mac and cheese texture.
- Dried basil: Offers subtle herbal undertones reminiscent of Italian kitchens.
- Dried oregano: Adds earthiness and balances the tomato’s acidity beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper: The simple seasonings that bring all the components together.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts creamy and stringy, building that irresistible cheesy body.
- Parmesan cheese: Gives a sharp, nutty touch that’s key to true chicken Parmesan flavor.
- Panko breadcrumbs: For the crunchy, golden topping that contrasts so wonderfully with the creamy pasta.
- Butter: Melts into the breadcrumbs to ensure a perfectly toasted, rich crust.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness on the final plate.
How to Make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by warming the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced chicken breasts and cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so the chicken browns nicely on all sides and cooks through completely. This step gives the protein a lovely golden color and locks in the juices for every bite. Once done, set the chicken aside but keep all the flavor in the pot for your next steps.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In the same pot, add your minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute or until you can smell that wonderful aroma—it’s the secret start to building a depth of flavor in the dish without any extra fuss.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Herb Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth and marinara sauce, bringing the mixture to a lively boil. This combination is what makes the mac and cheese sing with the unmistakable essence of chicken Parmesan. Sprinkle in your dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper, then stir everything together to mesh those fresh Italian flavors with the cozy, cheesy vibe.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Time for the pasta! Add your elbow macaroni into the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10 to 12 minutes. You want the pasta tender but still slightly firm to the bite, soaking up the sauce as it thickens. This step is where your one-pot magic happens, marrying the ingredients into an irresistible creamy casserole.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Melt Cheese
Return the cooked chicken to your bubbling mac and cheese base and stir gently. Now, sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses and mix until melted and luscious. This luscious cheese blend creates the signature gooey texture that makes this dish feel like an instant comfort food superstar.
Step 6: Prepare and Toast the Breadcrumb Topping
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter to create that rich, crispy crust everyone loves on chicken Parmesan dishes. Sprinkle this golden mixture evenly over the top of your pasta. If you have an oven-safe pot, pop it under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the breadcrumbs are toasted to a perfect golden brown. If not, a quick toast in a skillet and then sprinkled over the dish works beautifully too.
How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is the simple but stunning way to add brightness and a splash of green that makes the dish visually pop. It also adds a touch of fresh flavor that balances the richness of the cheese and breadcrumbs wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. These sides offer a refreshing contrast in texture and bring vibrancy to your dinner plate without stealing the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe in individual ramekins topped with extra Parmesan and parsley for a fancy touch. Or layer it with extra marinara and fresh basil for a layered pasta bake feel. You can also sprinkle on some chili flakes if you want to give your meal a subtle heat twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the dish cool completely before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, the mac and cheese will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or quick lunches.
Freezing
This recipe freezes nicely. Portion into freezer-friendly containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat gently to keep all the creamy textures intact.
Reheating
To bring the dish back to life, gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. If it seems a little dry, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore its creamy consistency. For extra crunch, sprinkle on some fresh breadcrumbs and quickly toast under the broiler again before serving.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta shapes for this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, you can swap in shells, penne, or twists. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta shape you choose, aiming for that perfect al dente texture.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or eggplant for a delicious vegetarian spin without losing any of the comforting flavors.
Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
Definitely! Homemade marinara adds a fresh, personalized touch. Just swap it in with the same quantity and adjust the seasoning if needed to fit your taste.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs to easily adapt this recipe. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a simple switch without compromising flavor.
What’s the best way to get a crispy breadcrumb topping if I don’t have an oven-safe pot?
Toast the breadcrumb mixture in a small skillet over medium heat until they are golden and crunchy, then sprinkle them over the finished dish just before serving for that classic breadcrumb crunch.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe is the kind of meal that makes you want to hug yourself after every bite—comforting, cheesy, and full of flavor with less mess to clean up. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is the perfect way to bring joy to the dinner table any night of the week. Give it a try and prepare to make it a new favorite in your recipe rotation!
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One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and easy one-pot meal, Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese combines tender diced chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and pasta simmered in a savory marinara and broth base. Finished with a crispy golden panko breadcrumb topping, this dish is a delicious twist on classic mac and cheese with Italian flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups elbow macaroni or short pasta
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Prepare the Pasta: Using the same pot, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add chicken broth and marinara sauce, then bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in pasta, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer the Pasta: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
- Combine and Melt the Cheese: Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Add shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, stirring gently until melted and creamy.
- Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the pasta in the pot.
- Brown the Topping: If the pot is oven-safe, place it under the broiler for 2–3 minutes until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown. If not, toast the breadcrumbs separately in a skillet until golden and then sprinkle over the dish before serving.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve the dish warm for best flavor.
Notes
- Use elbow macaroni or any short pasta to ensure even cooking and sauciness.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe pot, toasting breadcrumbs in a skillet provides a nice crunchy topping.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently over low heat.
- For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and increase mozzarella or add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
- Adjust salt and spices to taste, especially if using salted broth or marinara.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
