Description
This Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese combines tender chicken, creamy mac and cheese, and savory marinara sauce in a single pot for a quick and comforting dinner. With melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses and a crunchy panko breadcrumb topping, it’s a delicious twist on classic comfort food that comes together in just 30 minutes.
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
Liquids and Pasta
- 3 cups milk
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 (16 oz) box elbow macaroni
Cheeses and Sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Toppings and Garnish
- 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 chicken pieces along with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the milk and chicken broth, then add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the Pasta: Reduce heat to medium and let it simmer, stirring often to prevent sticking, for 10–12 minutes or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Combine Cheeses and Sauce: Stir in shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and marinara sauce into the pot until the cheeses have melted and the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: While the pasta simmers, melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned panko breadcrumbs and toast them, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Sprinkle the toasted panko breadcrumbs over the mac and cheese just before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting one-pot chicken Parmesan mac and cheese.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut to save cooking time.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- For a crispier top, transfer to an oven-safe pot and broil for 2–3 minutes after adding the breadcrumbs.
