On hectic weeknights, quick and comforting meals are a must—and that’s exactly why this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese has become a go-to favorite in my kitchen.
This recipe combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of classic mac & cheese with the savory, saucy flavors of chicken Parmesan—all in one pot! It’s rich, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make, with minimal cleanup.
The best part? It comes together in about 30 minutes using pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a hungry family, or just craving something cozy, this dish delivers every time.
✨ Quick Description
A comforting, one-pot meal that fuses creamy mac & cheese with the bold, cheesy flavors of chicken Parmesan. Juicy chicken, tender pasta, rich marinara, and melty mozzarella come together in a hearty, no-fuss dinner.
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
🧑🍳 Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Chicken
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
2️⃣ Build the Sauce
In the same pot, add marinara sauce, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir well, scraping up the browned bits at the bottom to boost the flavor.
3️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Add elbow macaroni to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
4️⃣ Add Cheese and Chicken
Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Return the chicken to the pot and mix until the cheese melts and the sauce turns rich and creamy.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy
Let the dish sit for 2–3 minutes to thicken. Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you like.
❤️ Why You’ll Love It
- One-Pot Magic – Less mess and minimal cleanup.
- Comfort in Every Bite – Creamy, cheesy, hearty, and soul-satisfying.
- Balanced & Filling – Protein-packed with chicken and cheese.
- Family Favorite – Great for picky eaters and perfect for leftovers.
- Quick & Convenient – Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking Chicken: Dice evenly and cook just until done.
- Boiling the Cream: Keep the sauce at a simmer to avoid curdling.
- Mushy or Hard Pasta: Stir and check frequently around the 8-minute mark.
- Clumpy Sauce: Melt cheese slowly over low heat for smoothness.
- Too Thick or Too Thin Sauce: Add broth to loosen or simmer longer to reduce.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- Top with fresh basil or parsley and extra grated Parmesan.
- Serve alongside a crisp green salad with balsamic dressing.
- Garlic bread makes it extra indulgent.
- Pair with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc for a refreshing contrast.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream.
- Freezing is not recommended—sauce may separate when thawed.
❓FAQs
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Penne, rotini, or shells all work—just adjust the cooking time.
No heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk. The sauce will be slightly lighter.
Want it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and check your marinara label.
Like it spicy?
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra kick.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, but store pasta and sauce separately to prevent sogginess.
🔄 Recipe Variations
🔥 Spicy Chicken Version:
Use spicy marinara and add 1 tsp of red pepper flakes.
🥦 Veggie-Loaded:
Sauté spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini with the chicken for added nutrients.
🌿 Pesto Twist:
Swap out ½ cup of marinara for basil pesto and top with fresh basil.
📝 Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—quick, flavorful, and endlessly comforting. Once you try it, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
💬 Have you made this dish?
Share your thoughts or any fun twists in the comments below!
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