Description
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is a comforting and flavorful twist on classic mac and cheese. Tender seared chicken breasts are combined with elbow macaroni cooked in a savory blend of marinara, milk, and chicken broth, then smothered in melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Pasta and Sauce
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken until it is golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to rest.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the minced garlic and stir for about one minute until fragrant. This step builds the flavor base for the sauce.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the marinara sauce, milk, and chicken broth. Stir to combine everything. Gradually add the elbow macaroni, making sure it is submerged in the liquid.
- Cook Pasta and Combine: Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The pasta will absorb the liquids and soften during this time.
- Incorporate Cheeses and Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken into pieces and return it to the pot. Add shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts completely and the sauce turns creamy and smooth.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious one-pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese!
Notes
- Use whole milk for creamier mac and cheese, but you can substitute with 2% or plant-based milk if preferred.
- Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
