One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food mashup. This dish combines the creamy richness of mac and cheese with the crispy, cheesy goodness of chicken Parmesan, all cooked in one pot for an easy and satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend treat, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup makes this a stress-free meal.
- Rich and Creamy: The cheese sauce is luxuriously creamy, while the crispy chicken adds a satisfying crunch.
- Kid-Friendly: Combines two classic favorites in one dish.
- Customizable: Easily adapt with different cheeses or add-ins to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
- Salt and pepper
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs, beaten
- Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Chicken broth
- Milk
- Elbow macaroni or other small pasta
- Marinara sauce
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each piece in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and coat with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Cook the breaded chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Start the Pasta:
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth, milk, and pasta. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed (about 10-12 minutes).
- Add the Cheeses and Sauce:
- Stir in marinara sauce and half of the shredded mozzarella until combined.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Top with Chicken and Cheese:
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips and place them on top of the pasta. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Melt and Serve:
- Cover the skillet with a lid and cook over low heat until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 4-6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick of heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant.
- Cheese Blend: Use a mix of cheeses such as Gruyère, Fontina, or provolone for added flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
- Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it without the chicken topping. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken works well. Skip the breading and topping steps.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the pasta and sauce in advance, then top with chicken and cheese just before reheating.
3. What type of pasta works best?
Elbow macaroni, shells, or any small pasta shape that holds sauce well is ideal.
4. Can I use store-bought marinara?
Absolutely! Your favorite store-bought marinara saves time and adds great flavor.
5. How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Serve the breaded chicken on top of the pasta just before serving to maintain its crispiness.
6. Can I bake this dish instead of cooking on the stovetop?
Yes, transfer the cooked pasta and sauce to a baking dish, top with chicken and cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) until bubbly.
7. Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives, and skip the Parmesan in the breading.
8. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the skillet?
Stir frequently while the pasta cooks, and ensure there’s enough liquid in the skillet.
9. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers are great additions.
10. How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Conclusion
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is a delicious and comforting meal that combines the best of two classic dishes. With its crispy chicken, creamy pasta, and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Perfect for busy weeknights or indulgent weekends, this one-pot wonder delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Try it today and savor the ultimate comfort food!
Print
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This one-pot chicken parmesan mac & cheese combines the classic flavors of chicken parmesan with creamy, cheesy pasta. It’s a comforting, family-friendly dinner that comes together quickly with minimal cleanup!
Ingredients
For the Mac & Cheese:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 1/2 cups elbow macaroni (or small pasta of choice)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare the Pasta:
- In the same skillet, add chicken broth, milk, and pasta. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Stir in the marinara sauce, cooked chicken, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the dish is creamy and well combined.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the mac & cheese.
- Finish in the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to broil. Place the skillet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Serve:
- Let the mac & cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use seasoned marinara or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Substitute rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken to save time.
- If you don’t have a broiler-safe skillet, transfer the mac & cheese to a baking dish before adding the topping and broiling.