This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is a game-changer when it comes to comfort food. It’s a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that combines the best of chicken Parmesan and macaroni and cheese into one easy, satisfying meal. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or just want a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to please everyone. What’s even better? It’s all made in one pot, meaning fewer dishes to clean up afterward, leaving you more time to enjoy the delicious food you’ve prepared.The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. The tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, and creamy cheese sauce come together perfectly to coat the macaroni in a delicious, comforting layer of goodness. Plus, the flavors meld together beautifully as they simmer in one pot, making it an easy but flavorful meal that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. With the addition of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and plenty of melted cheese, this dish captures the essence of classic chicken Parmesan, all while incorporating the creamy, cheesy magic of mac and cheese.This dish isn’t just about comfort, though. It’s also a great way to get dinner on the table in no time, even on busy weeknights. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, and the fact that everything comes together in a single pot means there’s less hassle and cleanup. Plus, the recipe is fully customizable to your tastes, whether you want to add extra veggies, a bit of spice, or even a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Ingredients:
For this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese, you’ll need 2 chicken breasts, cut into cubes, for that hearty protein-packed base. The chicken should be tender and cooked perfectly, absorbing the rich flavors of the marinara sauce and creamy broth. You’ll also need 8 oz elbow macaroni, which will soak up all the delicious sauce, providing the perfect pasta texture that complements the chicken and cheese.
To bring this dish together, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot. The olive oil will add a touch of flavor and help cook the chicken to golden perfection. For the sauce, you’ll need 1 cup of marinara sauce, which will add that traditional Italian flavor, and 1 cup of chicken broth to give it a savory depth. To make the sauce extra creamy, use 1 cup of heavy cream. This will give your dish a rich, smooth texture that coats every bite of pasta and chicken.
To give the dish its signature cheesy richness, you’ll need 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. The mozzarella will melt into the sauce, creating that gooey, cheesy goodness we all love, while the Parmesan will add a sharp, savory kick. For flavor, you’ll also need ½ teaspoon of garlic powder and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning to bring out those classic Italian herbs. Lastly, season with salt and pepper to taste for a well-balanced dish.
Directions:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken. Cook the chicken until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly and develops a nice color. Season with a little salt and pepper to taste, enhancing the chicken’s natural flavor.
After the chicken is fully cooked, pour in the marinara sauce, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir everything together, ensuring the chicken is well-coated in the sauce. The combination of marinara and chicken broth will create a rich base for the mac and cheese sauce, while the heavy cream will make the mixture nice and creamy.
Add the elbow macaroni to the pot, ensuring it is submerged in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Let the macaroni cook in the simmering sauce for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors. You’ll want to keep an eye on the pot, giving it a stir now and then to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Once the macaroni is cooked, stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheese has completely melted, creating a rich and creamy sauce that envelops the pasta and chicken. Add the garlic powder and Italian seasoning, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. Continue to stir to ensure all the flavors meld together beautifully, and the sauce becomes thick and creamy.
Serve your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese hot, and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat. This dish is perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a comforting family meal. Pair it with a simple salad, some garlic bread, or a side of roasted vegetables, and you’ve got yourself a full meal that everyone will love.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to try this creamy, cheesy, one-pot wonder? Let us know if you plan to make any tweaks to customize it to your tastes, and don’t forget to share your version with us! #OnePotChickenParmesanMacAndCheese #ComfortFood #EasyDinner #CheesyGoodness #WeeknightMeals