If you’re craving comfort food that feels indulgent yet comes together effortlessly, this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. Imagine tender, seasoned chicken bites mingling with creamy, cheesy pasta all in one pot, infused with the bright tomato tang of marinara and the rich bite of Parmesan. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both satisfying and simple, perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a hungry family without a mountain of dishes to wash. This recipe masterfully combines the best elements of two beloved classics—chicken Parmesan and mac & cheese—into a single, luscious dish that your whole family will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe features a handful of straightforward ingredients that pack a punch. Each one plays its part, from the tender chicken that adds protein and heartiness, to the blend of cheeses that create that irresistible creamy texture. The marinara adds a subtle zing and that familiar Italian vibe, while garlic and seasoning brighten every bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For perfectly searing the chicken and adding a fruity richness.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-size pieces): The hearty protein star that soaks up flavors beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon salt: To enhance all the natural flavors in the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and balances the creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: That classic herb blend that brings the Italian essence to life.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: For aromatic depth and savory undertones.
- 2 cups dry pasta (elbow, penne, or cavatappi): The base that holds all the creamy, cheesy goodness.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Keeps the pasta moist and infuses extra flavor while cooking.
- 1 cup milk: To contribute to that smooth, creamy sauce texture.
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce: Adds subtle tomato sweetness and a tangy contrast.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly for that gooey, stretchy cheese pull.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping): Brings a salty, nutty richness and beautiful finish.
- Freshly ground black pepper for garnish: Adds a final, fresh touch of spice when serving.
How to Make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in your bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and that Italian seasoning magic. Sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through—this step locks in flavor and gives the dish a meaty, satisfying backbone. Once done, set the chicken aside so the cooking juices don’t go to waste!
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Using the same pot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. This quick burst of garlic fragrance forms the delicious foundation for the pasta and sauce. Garlic really wakes up the whole dish and pairs perfectly with the Italian seasoning on the chicken.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Liquids
Next, stir in your dry pasta, chicken broth, milk, and marinara sauce. Bring this mixture to a boil; the brothy base cooks your pasta and infuses it with layers of flavor all at once. This is the “one-pot” magic—minimal mess, maximum flavor.
Step 4: Simmer Until Perfectly Tender
Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let everything simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the liquids and soften beautifully while the flavors meld together into a luscious sauce.
Step 5: Stir in the Cheeses
Once the pasta is tender, turn off the heat and mix in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until melted and velvety smooth—this turns the pasta into creamy perfection, the hallmark of any great mac & cheese.
Step 6: Reunite Chicken and Pasta
Return the cooked chicken to the pot and gently fold it into that cheesy pasta. This final step brings everything together, ensuring each bite has a perfect balance of tender chicken and rich, cheesy sauce. Now it’s ready to serve!
How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To add a touch of elegance and a pop of fresh flavor, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan over the top along with a few cracks of freshly ground black pepper. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil can also brighten the dish visually and add a subtle herbal note that complements the Italian flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This creamy, hearty dish pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides. Think a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are excellent for mopping up every last bite of the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party or a fun family meal, serve this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe in individual ramekins. Top each with breadcrumbs and Parmesan, then broil briefly to add a golden, crunchy crust. It’s a wonderful way to elevate this everyday comfort food into something special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying, pack up any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy days when you want a quick, comforting meal ready to go.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for longer, you can freeze it too. Just transfer it into a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Keep in mind the texture of the pasta might soften slightly upon thawing, but the flavor remains just as delicious.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if it looks too thick. Stir occasionally to evenly warm through and bring back that creamy texture you fell in love with initially.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni, penne, or cavatappi are ideal for capturing cheese sauce, feel free to use whatever pasta shape you have on hand. Just note the cooking time might vary slightly depending on the shape and size.
Is this recipe spicy?
This dish is mild and comforting by nature, but you can easily add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic or season the chicken with a little cayenne if you like a bit of heat.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding mushrooms or plant-based chicken substitutes. You might want to boost the umami with extra Parmesan or a splash of soy sauce to deepen the flavor.
What’s the best cheese combination for this recipe?
Mozzarella and Parmesan are perfect for that creamy, melty texture and salty, nutty flavor. You could also experiment with adding a bit of sharp cheddar for extra tang or fontina for silkiness.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and chop garlic in advance, but it’s best to cook the pasta fresh to avoid it becoming mushy. The recipe comes together quickly, so it’s great for a speedy, fresh meal.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe is truly a joy to make and even more delightful to eat. It offers all the delicious comfort you want from mac and cheese with the satisfying, savory twist of chicken Parmesan, all without the fuss of multiple pots and pans. I can’t wait for you to try it, turn it into a new family favorite, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy, flavorful bite.
Print
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese combines the comforting creaminess of classic mac and cheese with the savory flavors of chicken Parmesan. Featuring tender chicken, melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and a rich marinara-infused sauce, this dish is a quick and satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-size pieces)
Produce & Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy
- 1 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
Pantry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups dry pasta (elbow, penne, or cavatappi)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- Freshly ground black pepper for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil and brown chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the bite-size chicken pieces, season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add pasta and liquids: Stir in the dry pasta, chicken broth, milk, and marinara sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer pasta: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Melt in cheeses: Once the pasta is tender, turn off the heat. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Combine chicken with pasta: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the pot and gently fold them into the cheesy pasta to combine thoroughly.
- Serve: Serve the mac and cheese hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper for added flavor.
Notes
- Use any short pasta shape like elbow, penne, or cavatappi for best results.
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- You can substitute milk with half-and-half or heavy cream for an even richer sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
