Meet your new weeknight dinner hero: One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese! This irresistible mashup takes everything you love about creamy mac and cheese and combines it with the classic comfort of chicken parmesan, all in just one pot. It’s the kind of meal that delivers big on flavor without piling up a mountain of dishes. With a golden, cheesy finish, juicy chicken, and a rich tomato base, this recipe makes family dinners so much more joyful and delicious.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese proves that a handful of everyday ingredients can create something magical. Each element brings its own appeal—whether it’s tender pasta, savory chicken, or a blanket of gooey cheese, they’re all here for a reason.

Olive oil: Gives the chicken a golden sear and adds a subtle fruitiness to the finished dish.
Boneless skinless chicken breast: The perfect blank canvas—juicy and hearty, soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
Salt: Essential for enhancing every flavor in the pot; don’t skip it!
Black pepper: Adds just the right touch of gentle heat and earthy depth.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with a classic Italian aroma.
Elbow macaroni: These little curves grab onto the sauce and cheese, making every bite satisfying.
Chicken broth: Cooks the pasta while layering in savory depth—more dynamic than water alone.
Marinara sauce: Brings tangy tomato goodness and bold color, tying the whole dish together.
Milk: Contributes to a lusciously creamy sauce.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Classic, melty cheese-pull ingredient—expect those epic strands!
Grated Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and essential for that true chicken parm flavor.
Dried basil: A pinch adds fresh, herby undertones—so reminiscent of Italian-American comfort food.
Dried oregano: Earthy and robust, this gives the dish unmistakable pizzeria vibes.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Add a little kick or leave out for milder palates—it’s up to you.
Fresh parsley for garnish: Sprinkled on top, it adds brightness and a pop of color right before serving.

How to Make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by making your kitchen smell amazing! Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet set over medium heat. While it warms, season your chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Slide them into the pot and let them cook for 5 to 6 minutes. The goal here is to get them wonderfully golden and cooked through—both for flavor and texture. Once the chicken is just cooked, you’re ready for the next layer of flavor.

Step 2: Add the Garlic

Now’s the time to infuse even more flavor! Add your minced garlic to the pot with the chicken. Only cook it for about one minute. This step is quick, but essential—fresh garlic blooms instantly, giving off that mouthwatering aroma that sets the tone for the whole dish.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Liquids

Toss the uncooked elbow macaroni right into the pot with the chicken and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth, marinara sauce, and milk. Sprinkle in your dried basil, oregano, and (if using) red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly distributed. Bring it all to a boil, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged—this guarantees even cooking and soaks up all those beautiful flavors.

Step 4: Simmer Until Creamy

Reduce the heat to low, cover your pot, and let everything simmer away for about 10 to 12 minutes. Give it a good stir every so often so nothing sticks. You’ll know it’s done when the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed—don’t worry if it looks a bit saucy, as it will thicken after resting.

Step 5: Stir in the Cheese

Time for the cheese magic. Take the pot off the heat, then add both your shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Stir slowly until everything melts together into a creamy, dreamy sauce that clings to every bit of pasta and chicken.

Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve

Give your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese just a few minutes to rest—about 5 is perfect. This allows the sauce to thicken just right. Finally, sprinkle generously with fresh parsley, and get ready to serve a dinner everyone will love!

How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

Garnishes

You can never go wrong with extra flair. Try a big handful of fresh chopped parsley or basil over the top—both add color and a touch of freshness. For crunch and a real “chicken parm” nod, sprinkle on toasted breadcrumbs or even a few extra shards of Parmesan just before serving.

Side Dishes

This hearty dish stands perfectly on its own but loves good company. A crisp green salad with a bright lemony dressing helps balance out the richness. Steamed broccoli or buttery garlic bread are also favorites at our table, adding textures and flavors that round out the meal without stealing the spotlight from the star.

Creative Ways to Present

For family dinners, serve straight from the pot—a guaranteed way to invite seconds! Entertaining? Spoon into individual ramekins, top with cheese and a few breadcrumbs, then broil quickly for a restaurant-style finish. Or, spoon generous helpings alongside a salad bar for a casual, crowd-pleasing buffet—One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese truly adapts to any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese keeps beautifully! Transfer any cooled leftovers into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld, making the next-day dish even more irresistible.

Freezing

This meal can also be frozen, though the sauce may thicken a bit more. Let the mac and cheese cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a delicious make-ahead treat.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop individual servings in the microwave with a splash of milk, stirring halfway through to restore creaminess. Or rewarm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly and adding a bit more milk or broth if needed. A quick sprinkle of cheese just before serving revives all the melty magic!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic for One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese, feel free to substitute with shells, rotini, or even penne. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary depending on the shape.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

Yes! You can lighten things up by using low-fat milk, reducing the cheese a bit, or even swapping in whole wheat pasta. You’ll still get all the cozy flavors, just with a bit less richness.

What can I use instead of chicken breast?

If you prefer, use boneless skinless chicken thighs for an extra-juicy result, or substitute cooked rotisserie chicken to save time. You could even use cooked turkey or swap in chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.

Can I make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese ahead for a party?

Definitely! Prepare the mac and cheese as directed, then transfer it to a baking dish, top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, and refrigerate. When your guests arrive, bake at 350°F until bubbly and golden for a make-ahead party hit.

Why does my cheese get stringy or clump?

This can happen if the cheese gets added while the mixture is too hot or if pre-shredded cheese (with anti-caking agents) is used. For the creamiest sauce, take the pot off heat before stirring in freshly shredded cheeses.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a meal that brings together creamy comfort, big flavor, and near-zero cleanup, One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is it. Give this recipe a try—you just might find it becomes your family’s new favorite tradition. Happy cooking!

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 17 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 One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this dish combines tender chicken, al dente macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Mac & Cheese:

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
2 ½ cups chicken broth
1 ½ cups marinara sauce
1 cup milk
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until browned and cooked through. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Cook the Mac & Cheese: Add macaroni, chicken broth, marinara sauce, milk, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes until pasta is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Finish the Dish: Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and creamy. Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For extra texture, top with toasted breadcrumbs or briefly bake under the broiler.
Rotisserie chicken can be used as a quicker alternative—simply add when mixing in the cheese.

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