One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that combines the best of cheesy macaroni, juicy chicken, and rich Italian flavors into one creamy, delicious dish. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because it’s made entirely in one pot, making clean-up a breeze while delivering a satisfying, flavorful dinner that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Time saver: Combining everything in one pot means dinner is on the table faster and with minimal mess.
Flavor packed: Layers of Italian herbs, parmesan, and gooey cheese create a mouthwatering taste experience.
Kid-friendly: Comforting mac & cheese with a twist that kids adore, sneaking in protein with tender chicken.
Easy to customize: Add your favorite veggies or switch up the cheeses for a personal touch.
Hearty and filling: A complete meal that satisfies cravings while providing balanced nutrition.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully for a rich, creamy texture and vibrant color. Each component has a role in building the perfect One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese experience.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless pieces provide tender protein and absorb flavors effortlessly.
Elbow macaroni: Classic pasta shape that holds the cheesy sauce perfectly in every bite.
Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty, and authentic Italian flavor that defines this dish.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly for that irresistible, gooey texture everyone craves.
Garlic & Italian seasoning: Essential aromatics that elevate the savory depth of the recipe.
Chicken broth: Infuses pasta and chicken with extra flavor and keeps the sauce silky.
Milk and cream: Balances creaminess and moisture, making the sauce rich but not heavy.
Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce: Delivers classic tang and contrasts beautifully with cheese.
Salt and pepper: Basic but vital seasonings to enhance every ingredient’s natural flavor.

Variations for One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on this comforting dish. One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese adapts easily to preferences, dietary requirements, or pantry staples, making it versatile and fun to customize.

Veggie boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers for extra nutrients and color.
Spicy kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a fiery twist.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta to keep it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Cheese swap: Try provolone, fontina, or gouda for unique flavors and textures.
Herb variations: Fresh basil or oregano can replace dried seasoning for a brighter taste.

Why One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Wins

How to Make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, then season them with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. In a large pot or deep skillet, heat a little olive oil and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the aromatics

In the same pot, add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as this will lend a rich flavor base to the sauce.

Step 3: Add liquids and pasta

Pour in chicken broth, milk, and crushed tomatoes, then stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to keep pasta from sticking, and cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Mix in cheeses and chicken

Lower the heat and fold in freshly grated parmesan and shredded mozzarella until melted and creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir until everything is combined, heated through, and beautifully cheesy.

Step 5: Final seasoning and serve

Taste the mac & cheese and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or extra parmesan for added flair.

Pro Tips for Making One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

Avoid overcooking pasta: Keep a close eye on the macaroni so it stays perfectly al dente for the best texture.
Use freshly grated cheese: It melts smoother and tastes fresher than pre-shredded options with anti-caking agents.
Layer flavors: Toast your garlic and Italian herbs in olive oil before adding liquids to build depth.
Stir gently: Fold in cheeses carefully to prevent clumping or breaking the smooth sauce.
Rest before serving: Let the dish sit for a few minutes off heat to thicken and develop flavor.

How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh, herbaceous taste. A dusting of extra parmesan adds a sharp, crunchy contrast to the creamy dish.

Side Dishes

Lighten up your meal with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted garlic green beans. Garlic bread or classic Caesar salad also pair beautifully for a complete Italian-inspired dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this mac & cheese in individual ramekins for a fun, portion-controlled presentation, or top with a crispy breadcrumb crust and broil briefly for a golden finish. Presentation can turn an everyday dinner into something special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it taste even better the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, but for best texture, freeze before adding cheese. Reheat and then stir in fresh cheese to preserve creaminess after thawing.

Reheating

Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk to bring back creaminess. Avoid microwaving without stirring to prevent uneven heating.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, penne, shells, or rotini work wonderfully and hold the sauce well.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s ideal for meal prep since it stores and reheats easily, making weekday dinners a breeze.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Of course! Simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables or a plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian version.

How spicy is One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese?

It’s mild by default but you can add chili flakes or hot sauce to adjust the heat to your taste.

What cheese combination works best for this recipe?

Mozzarella and parmesan provide the perfect balance of creaminess and flavor, but feel free to experiment with cheddar, fontina, or gouda for different profiles.

Final Thoughts

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese combines convenience, comfort, and irresistible flavor in a single dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for busy weeknights or want a hearty, cheesy meal to share, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try and enjoy the simple joy of melting cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta all in one pot!

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

Print Recipe

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, cheesy macaroni, and rich Italian flavors all cooked in one pot for easy preparation and cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, this creamy, cheesy meal delivers hearty satisfaction with minimal effort.

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Proteins

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – 2 pieces (about 1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces

Pasta & Liquids

Elbow macaroni – 2 cups (uncooked)
Chicken broth – 3 cups
Milk – 1 cup
Heavy cream – 1/2 cup
Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce – 1 cup

Cheeses

Parmesan cheese, freshly grated – 1 cup
Mozzarella cheese, shredded – 1 cup

Seasonings & Aromatics

Garlic, minced – 3 cloves
Italian seasoning (dried herbs) – 1 teaspoon
Salt – to taste
Black pepper – to taste
Olive oil – 1 tablespoon (for cooking chicken and garlic)

Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, then season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, add minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. This step creates a rich flavor base for the sauce.
Add liquids and pasta: Pour in chicken broth, milk, and crushed tomatoes. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.
Mix in cheeses and chicken: Lower the heat and fold in freshly grated parmesan and shredded mozzarella until melted and creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir gently to combine and heat through.
Final seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or additional parmesan cheese for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

Avoid overcooking the pasta to keep it perfectly al dente.
Use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting and better flavor.
Toast garlic and Italian herbs in olive oil before adding liquids to develop a deeper flavor.
Fold in cheeses gently to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth sauce.
Allow the dish to rest a few minutes off the heat before serving to thicken and deepen flavors.

Author: Lina
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: One-pot stovetop cooking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free pasta)

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 40 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Mac and Cheese, One-Pot Recipe, Comfort Food, Italian, Easy Dinner, Kid-Friendly, Weeknight Meal