Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  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 gently to combine and heat through.
  5. 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