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
Units
Scale
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.