If you have a craving for comfort food that delivers bold flavors and creamy goodness with minimal fuss, you’re going to adore this Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe. It combines tender chicken seasoned just right, gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and perfectly cooked macaroni, all mingling together in one pot—no extra pans, no mess. The marinara adds a perfect tangy contrast, while buttery toasted breadcrumbs bring a delightful crunch on top. It’s a meal that feels indulgent but comes together in a flash, making it an instant family favorite and weeknight superstar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each one plays a vital role in building the dish’s layers of flavor, creaminess, and texture—from the seasoning that flavors the chicken to the cheeses that make it irresistibly rich.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure every bite has tender protein.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For a perfect sear that locks in juiciness and adds subtle richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, aromatic base flavor to the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings classic Mediterranean notes.
- ½ teaspoon salt & ½ teaspoon black pepper: Essential to boost all the flavors evenly.
- 3 cups milk: Provides a creamy texture that’s key to the cheesy sauce.
- 3 cups chicken broth: Adds depth and moisture to ensure the pasta cooks just right.
- 1 (16 oz) box elbow macaroni: The perfect shape to hold onto every bit of sauce.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that classic gooey pull.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty complexity that balances the creaminess.
- 1 cup marinara sauce: Introduces a vibrant, tangy tomato flavor that elevates the dish.
- ½ cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs: Toasted to golden perfection, adding a crunchy contrast.
- 2 tablespoons butter: For browning the breadcrumbs, boosting flavor and crispiness.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, herbaceous pop of color and brightness as a garnish.
How to Make Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Season the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the bite-sized chicken pieces, then sprinkle on the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Sauté until each piece is beautifully golden and cooked through, usually about 5 to 6 minutes. This step builds a seasoned base that makes the dish so satisfying.
Step 2: Add Liquids and Pasta
Once the chicken is ready, pour in the milk and chicken broth along with the uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir everything gently to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Lower the heat to medium and let it simmer, stirring frequently so nothing sticks to the bottom. After about 10 to 12 minutes, the macaroni will be tender, and most of the liquid will have been absorbed into a creamy sauce.
Step 3: Stir in the Cheeses and Marinara
Now it’s time for the star cheeses and sauce to shine. Add the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and marinara sauce directly to the pot. Stir until the cheeses have completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This final stir blends all the flavors beautifully, creating that comforting, cheesy consistency you love.
Step 4: Top with Toasted Breadcrumbs
In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the seasoned panko breadcrumbs and toast them, stirring often, until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and smell irresistible. Scatter these crunchy breadcrumbs over the top of the mac and cheese just before serving to add a perfect textural contrast.
How to Serve Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only livens up the visual appeal but also adds a subtle herbal freshness that cuts through the richness. If you enjoy a bit of kick, a few crushed red pepper flakes on top work wonderfully here, too.
Side Dishes
This hearty mac and cheese pairs beautifully with crisp green salads or steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus. A simple Caesar salad or garlic-roasted green beans will add color, nutrition, and textural variety to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish family-style in a rustic cast-iron skillet at the table, letting everyone scoop out their portions. You can even transfer leftovers to oven-safe dishes, add extra cheese and breadcrumbs, then broil for a few minutes for a bubbly, golden crust everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld even more after a day or two, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to save some for later. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to restore that creamy consistency. If the pasta has thickened too much, a splash of milk can help loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that still delivers great flavor and tenderness. Just shred the cooked chicken and add it in during the cheese and marinara step.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. Just cook the veggies first, then proceed the same way. Consider using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian dish.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Definitely. While elbow macaroni is classic for mac and cheese, small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne work great and will hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
How do I get a crispier breadcrumb topping?
For an extra crunchy crust, transfer the mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs on top, then broil for 2 to 3 minutes just before serving. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, swap the elbow macaroni for a gluten-free variety and choose gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping. Also, confirm that your marinara sauce is gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe truly brings together the best of comforting Italian-American flavors in a fuss-free, delicious package. Whether you’re feeding family on a busy night or want a cozy dish to impress guests with little effort, this recipe won’t let you down. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight meal!
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Easy 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: American-Italian
Description
This Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is a comforting and delicious American-Italian dish that combines tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and marinara sauce with classic mac and cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect skillet dinner that is both quick and satisfying.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Mac & Cheese Base
- 3 cups milk
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 (16 oz) box elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Topping
- ½ cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter (for topping)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the milk and chicken broth, then add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the Pasta: Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer, stirring often, for 10 to 12 minutes until the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed by the pasta.
- Incorporate Cheeses and Marinara: Stir in the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and marinara sauce. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt completely and the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
- Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping: In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the seasoned panko breadcrumbs and toast them until they turn golden brown and crisp.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs over the mac and cheese just before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting one-pot meal.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- For a crispier topping, broil the casserole in an oven-safe pot for 2 to 3 minutes after adding the breadcrumbs.
