When it comes to cozy weeknight dinners, few dishes can rival the creamy, cheesy goodness of this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese. It’s everything you love about chicken Parmesan and mac and cheese combined into one easy, flavor-packed meal. The best part? It all comes together in a single pot, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your food! This recipe blends tender chicken bites with rich marinara, smooth cream, and a generous amount of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Every forkful delivers that classic Italian flavor with the satisfying comfort of homemade mac and cheese — making it a guaranteed family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. - Add Liquids and Pasta:
Pour in the marinara sauce, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir to combine, then add the elbow macaroni. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. - Simmer Until Tender:
Cook uncovered for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. - Add Cheese and Seasonings:
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy. Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well until the sauce coats the pasta evenly. - Serve and Enjoy:
Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or garlic bread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🧀 All-in-one meal: Pasta, protein, and sauce cook in one pot—no extra dishes!
- 🍗 Flavor explosion: Creamy cheese meets tangy marinara and tender chicken.
- ⏱️ Quick & easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- 👨👩👧👦 Family favorite: Kids and adults alike will devour this cheesy comfort dish.
Pro Tip:
For extra crunch and that true chicken Parmesan feel, sprinkle some buttery breadcrumbs on top before serving. Want it spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick!
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Would you serve this creamy Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese with garlic bread or a fresh green salad? 🍝✨
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One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
- Pour in the marinara sauce, chicken broth, and heavy cream.
- Stir to combine, then add the elbow macaroni.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook uncovered for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy.
- Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Mix well until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
- Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.
- Pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or garlic bread.