Description
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is a comforting and hearty dish combining tender seared chicken breasts with creamy, cheesy macaroni cooked right in a rich blend of marinara sauce, milk, and chicken broth. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner that delivers all the classic Italian flavors in a simple, fuss-free recipe.
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 the 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 golden and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to rest.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the minced garlic. Stir it for about a minute until fragrant to build the flavor base for your dish.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the marinara sauce, milk, and chicken broth into the pot, stirring to combine everything. Gradually add the elbow macaroni, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid mixture. Bring the pot to a simmer to start cooking the pasta.
- Cook Pasta and Combine: Let the mixture simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. During this time, the pasta will absorb the flavorful liquids and soften.
- Incorporate Cheeses and Chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts and return them to the pot. Add the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the cheeses have melted and formed a creamy, cohesive sauce coating the pasta and chicken.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the mac & cheese and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as desired. Serve the dish warm and enjoy the delicious, cheesy comfort food.
Notes
- For an extra crispy chicken, you can sear it in a separate skillet before adding it to the pot.
- Use whole milk for a creamier sauce, but any milk will work.
- Stir the pasta frequently to avoid sticking and to ensure even cooking.
- If the mixture becomes too thick before the pasta is cooked, add a splash more chicken broth or milk.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop with a little extra milk to restore creaminess.
