Tangy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe to Enjoy

Comfort food reaches new heights with this tantalizing one-pot chicken parmesan mac & cheese that combines two beloved classics into a single, mouthwatering dish.

Creamy pasta intertwines with crispy chicken, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Melted cheese coats every inch of tender macaroni, while golden-brown chicken adds a satisfying crunch.

The recipe promises a hearty meal that requires minimal cleanup and delivers maximum satisfaction.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing combination.

Prepare to dive into a skillet of pure deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 3

Gather Ingredients For One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that adds substantial texture and hearty flavor to the dish, choose fresh, trimmed pieces for best results.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers robust underlying aroma without overwhelming other ingredients, select high-quality brands for consistent taste.
• Onion Powder: Provides subtle savory depth, ensure freshness by checking expiration date.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends aromatic herbs that elevate overall dish complexity, choose a mix with balanced oregano, basil, and thyme.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and highlight other ingredients, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum impact.

• Chicken Broth: Creates rich, foundational liquid for cooking pasta, opt for low-sodium varieties to control saltiness.
• Milk: Contributes creamy texture and smoothness, whole milk recommended for richer consistency.
• Pasta: Classic macaroni shape holds sauce perfectly, select high-quality durum wheat pasta for best texture.

• Marinara Sauce: Adds tangy tomato undertone, choose authentic Italian-style sauce for genuine flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides stretchy, melty texture, select fresh varieties for superior melting.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers sharp, nutty accent, use freshly grated for maximum flavor intensity.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates crispy, golden topping with light, airy texture, Japanese-style preferred.
• Butter: Helps bind breadcrumb topping and adds rich flavor, use unsalted for better control.
• Fresh Parsley or Basil

Simple Tools For Making One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking chicken and preparing the entire one-pot meal, ensuring even heat distribution.
• Small Bowl: Perfect for mixing the crispy breadcrumb topping with precise measurements.
• Cooking Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Crucial for stirring ingredients and preventing pasta from sticking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps accurately portion out chicken broth, milk, and seasonings.
• Broiler-Safe Skillet: Allows direct transfer from stovetop to oven for creating the golden, crispy topping.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for cutting chicken into pieces and chopping optional fresh herbs for garnish.

How To Cook One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Quickly

• Chicken Sizzle

Start by warming up a roomy skillet with a splash of oil. Drop in chicken pieces and shower them with a magical blend of spices. Let the chicken dance and brown until it’s perfectly cooked, then scoot it to the side of the pan.

• Pasta Paradise

Pour broth and milk into the same skillet, then nestle the pasta into this creamy liquid. Let everything bubble gently, stirring occasionally, until the pasta becomes tender and soaks up most of the delicious liquid.

• Flavor Fusion

Invite marinara sauce to the party and reunite the chicken with the pasta. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously, stirring until everything melts into a gloriously creamy embrace.

• Crispy Crown

Mix panko crumbs with melted butter and extra Parmesan. Scatter this golden mixture across the top of your creation like a delicate, crunchy blanket.

• Golden Finish

Slide the skillet under the broiler for a quick tan. Watch closely as the top transforms into a beautiful golden-brown crust that crackles with deliciousness.

• Serve and Celebrate

Let the dish rest for a moment, then scoop out generous portions. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for a burst of color and flavor.

Ways To Boost Flavor In One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

• Pasta Perfect Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness, as it will continue absorbing liquid while resting. Stir frequently during cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for smoother melting and richer flavor. Room temperature cheeses blend more easily, creating a creamier sauce.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta varieties and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Check that all seasonings are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.
• Protein Power Alternatives: Replace chicken with ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or plant-based protein like seasoned tofu crumbles for diverse dietary preferences. Vegetarian options work wonderfully with extra vegetables like spinach or roasted bell peppers.
• Spice Level Upgrade: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce for those craving extra heat. Alternatively, create a milder version by using mild seasonings and reducing spicy components for kid-friendly meals.

Serve One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese For Any Meal

• Perfect Party Pleaser: Host a casual dinner gathering where friends can enjoy this hearty, cheesy main dish with simple side companions.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy mac & cheese.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle extra chopped fresh parsley or basil right before serving to add bright color and fresh flavor contrast.
• Family Movie Night Star: Create a relaxed dinner experience by pairing this one-pot wonder with chilled lemonade or iced tea for a complete meal.

Store One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese For Leftovers

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Warm individual portions in microwave with a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency. Stir midway through heating to distribute warmth evenly and prevent dry spots.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Package meal in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best results.
• Portion Control Hack: Divide remaining mac & cheese into single-serving containers. Perfect for grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners, reducing food waste and saving time during busy weeks.

Effortless One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe

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4.5 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Classic one-pot chicken parmesan mac & cheese combines Italian-American comfort food in a single skillet. Rich cheese sauce and crispy chicken create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 ½ cups elbow macaroni
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps butter, melted
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

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Instructions

1. Chicken Preparation: Generously season chicken with bold spices, creating a robust flavor profile. Sear in a large skillet until golden brown and fully cooked, then set aside on a separate plate.
2. Pasta Base Creation: Leverage the same skillet to develop a creamy pasta foundation. Combine broth, milk, and uncooked pasta, simmering gently while stirring intermittently until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture and liquid reduces.
3. Flavor Integration: Swirl marinara sauce into the pasta, creating a vibrant crimson backdrop. Reintroduce seared chicken pieces, then gently fold in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until they melt into a silky, indulgent mixture.
4. Crispy Topping Construction: Blend panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, grated Parmesan, and aromatic Italian herbs. Distribute the crisp mixture evenly across the mac and cheese surface, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Broiler Transformation: Transfer skillet to preheated broiler, watching intently as the surface transforms into a golden, crackling landscape. Aim for a rich bronze finish without charring, approximately 2-3 minutes.
6. Final Presentation: Let the dish rest momentarily, allowing flavors to harmonize. Optionally garnish with fresh basil or parsley, creating a visually stunning and appetizing culinary masterpiece ready to be devoured.

Notes

• Spice Selection Strategy: Choose bold, complementary spices like garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning to enhance chicken’s flavor profile without overwhelming the dish.
• Control Pasta Moisture: Monitor liquid absorption carefully during simmering, adding extra broth if pasta appears too dry to ensure perfectly creamy, al dente texture.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Remove skillet from heat before adding cheese, stirring gently to prevent separation and achieve smooth, luxurious consistency without graininess.
• Broiling Precision: Position oven rack approximately 4-6 inches from heating element, watching topping closely to achieve golden-brown crunch without burning breadcrumb mixture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg