If cheesy, crave-worthy comfort food had a superhero alter ego, the Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe would definitely wear the cape! Imagine juicy bites of chicken, gooey mozzarella and Parmesan, plenty of saucy macaroni, and a crispy, golden breadcrumb topping — all coming together in just one pot. Easy weeknight dinners have never tasted so delicious, and cleanup is a breeze. This is the kind of meal that instantly lifts your spirits, whether you’re feeding a crowd or sneaking seconds yourself!

Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is one of those magical recipes that delivers major reward with minimal effort, thanks to a smart lineup of simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Each item brings its own special flair — making the Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe totally irresistible!

Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken cut into bite-sized pieces for fast, even cooking and tender results.
Olive oil: Just enough to add richness and ensure the chicken gets that lovely golden sear.
Garlic powder: Provides a warm, savory base that clings to every noodle and morsel of meat.
Italian seasoning: This handy blend of herbs brings that classic pasta house flavor in one easy scoop.
Salt and black pepper: Two everyday staples that make all the other flavors sing.
Milk: The key to a super creamy sauce — whole or 2% both work beautifully.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and a savory backbone that complements the cheese and chicken.
Elbow macaroni: The classic shape that soaks up all that cheesy, saucy goodness.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly, giving you those glorious cheese pulls.
Parmesan cheese: Its salty, nutty bite infuses the entire dish with Italian flair.
Marinara sauce: A bit of tomato sauce brightens and balances the richness of all that cheese.
Seasoned panko breadcrumbs: Toasted until golden for an addictive crispy topping.
Butter: Helps the breadcrumbs brown up like magic for the ultimate finishing touch.
Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green adds color and fresh flavor to your bowl.

How to Make Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Grab your favorite large pot or deep skillet and set it over medium-high heat. Drizzle in the olive oil, then add the bite-sized chicken pieces, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken turns golden and is just cooked through — about 5 to 6 minutes. This is where those aromatic flavors really start to shine!

Step 2: Simmer the Pasta

Pour in the milk and chicken broth, then add the uncooked elbow macaroni straight into the pot. Give it all a good stir and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 to 12 minutes. Don’t forget to stir now and then — this keeps the pasta from sticking and helps everything cook evenly. When the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 3: Stir in the Cheese and Sauce

This is where the Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe really lives up to its name! Off the heat, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan, and marinara sauce. Everything should melt together into a silky, cheesy, tomato-kissed sauce that hugs every noodle and chunk of chicken. It will smell so tempting — but hang on, there’s just one more little flourish.

Step 4: Toast the Breadcrumbs

While the mac and cheese simmers away, melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat and toss in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Stir constantly until they turn golden brown and crisp, which only takes a few minutes. This extra step is quick but so worth it — that crunchy topping makes every bite irresistible.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs right over your cheesy pasta, and toss on a shower of chopped fresh parsley if you like. Ladle the Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe into bowls while it’s hot and bubbly, and dig right in!

How to Serve Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

A handful of fresh parsley delivers a burst of color and a hint of herbiness, making your bowls extra inviting. If you love a little kick, try a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or even extra grated Parmesan on top — it’s your masterpiece, after all!

Side Dishes

This hearty dish can definitely hold its own, but if you’re looking to round out your meal, a crisp green salad or garlic bread makes a perfect pairing. Both will balance the rich, cheesy notes of the Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe while soaking up every last drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not scoop it into mini ramekins for an appetizer-sized twist, or serve in a deep baking dish family-style at the table? For a bit of drama, you can even pop the oven-safe pot under the broiler for a couple of minutes to really crisp up the topping. However you serve it, this dish always earns applause!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cool, transfer any extra Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The pasta will stay creamy and the flavors continue to meld together, making leftovers just as crave-worthy.

Freezing

If you want to freeze portions for later, let everything cool completely first. Spoon single servings (or the whole batch, if you prefer) into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place the leftovers in a covered skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen things up. Stir until heated through. For individual servings, you can also use the microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. To bring back some crunch, toast a handful of fresh panko and sprinkle it over the reheated portions.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Yes, absolutely! Just stir shredded or cubed cooked chicken in with the cheese and marinara sauce, skipping the initial sauté step. It’s a great shortcut if you’re in a hurry and still want that Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe flavor.

Can I substitute other pasta shapes?

Definitely! While elbows are classic, shells, rotini, or penne all work well. Just keep in mind the cooking times may vary, so check for doneness as you simmer.

How can I make this recipe a bit spicier?

For those who love a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when you stir in the seasonings with the chicken or sprinkle some on top just before serving. It adds a gentle zing to the Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe without overpowering the cheesy flavor.

Is this a good dish for meal prep?

It sure is! Since it reheats well and holds up beautifully in the fridge, you can make a batch ahead of time and portion out lunches or dinners for the next few days. Just keep the breadcrumb topping separate until you’re ready to eat so it stays crisp.

Can I make it gluten free?

Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten free pasta and gluten free panko breadcrumbs for a version of the Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe everyone can enjoy. Just watch the pasta closely as gluten free varieties sometimes require a different cook time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort with a side of ease, you simply can’t beat the Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe. It’s hearty, satisfying, and bursting with flavors the whole family will love. Give it a try, and watch it become a favorite in your own kitchen!

Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese recipe. This hearty dish combines the flavors of chicken Parmesan with creamy mac and cheese in a single pot for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

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

Mac and Cheese:

3 cups milk
3 cups chicken broth
1 (16 oz) box elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup marinara sauce
½ cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter (for topping)
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Chicken: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.
Make the Mac and Cheese: Add the milk, chicken broth, and macaroni to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10–12 minutes until pasta is tender.
Finish the Dish: Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and marinara until creamy. Melt butter in a skillet, toast breadcrumbs until golden. Sprinkle over mac and cheese before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

You can use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
Add crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
For a crispier top, broil the casserole in an oven-safe pot for 2–3 minutes after adding the breadcrumbs.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American-Italian