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
Scale
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.
