Introduction
Remember those childhood nights when dinner felt like a warm hug? We’re talking about pure comfort food, the kind that instantly transports you back to cozy kitchens and happy times. Well, get ready to recreate that magic because I’ve got a recipe that’s going to do just that – One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese! This dish is so incredibly simple and comes together in a flash, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights or when you just crave something incredibly satisfying without all the fuss. Seriously, the best part is that it all cooks in one pot!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: Perfect for when you’re short on time.
- Easy: Minimal prep, minimal cleanup – a weeknight dream!
- Giftable: Make a batch and share the comfort with a friend or neighbor.
- Crowd-pleasing: Picky eaters and seasoned foodies alike will devour this.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to create this cheesy masterpiece:
- 2 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces. Think of these as little flavor bombs!
- 8 oz elbow macaroni. The classic mac and cheese shape, perfect for catching all that delicious sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil. Just enough to get things started and give our chicken a nice sear.
- 1 cup marinara sauce. Use your favorite jarred sauce; it’s the shortcut to that classic Italian flavor.
- 1 cup chicken broth. This is where a lot of the magic happens, helping our pasta cook beautifully.
- 1 cup heavy cream. For that unbelievably rich and creamy texture we all dream of.
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese. Because what’s mac and cheese without tons of melty mozzarella?
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Adds that salty, nutty depth that takes it to the next level.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. A little blend of herbs that screams “Chicken Parm!”
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Because garlic makes everything better, right?
- Salt and black pepper to taste. Seasoning is key to bringing out all the yummy flavors.
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish). A little sprinkle of green makes it feel extra special and adds a fresh pop.
How to Make It
Alright, chef, let’s get cooking! This is where the “one-pot wonder” truly shines. It’s so straightforward, you’ll be amazed.
- Get your pot ready: Grab a large pot or a Dutch oven and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Brown the chicken: Toss in your diced chicken and cook it until it’s nicely browned on all sides. This seals in all those yummy juices.
- Add the goodness: Now, pour in the elbow macaroni, marinara sauce, chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Don’t be shy!
- Stir it all up: Give everything a good stir to combine. Make sure all that pasta is coated in the liquid.
- Let it simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover your pot and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Remember to stir it occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom and to make sure the pasta cooks evenly. You’ll know it’s ready when the macaroni is tender and the sauce has thickened up beautifully.
- Cheesy heaven: This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it’s all melted into a gloriously creamy, cheesy sauce that coats every single piece of pasta.
- Season to perfection: Taste your creation and add salt and black pepper as needed. A little adjust here can make a big difference!
- Garnish and serve: If you’re feeling fancy (or just love a pop of color!), sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley over the top. Then, dive in and enjoy your incredible one-pot meal!
Substitutions & Additions
This recipe is wonderfully forgiving, so feel free to make it your own! Here are a few ideas:
- Pasta: While elbow macaroni is classic, feel free to try other small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne. Just adjust the cooking time if needed.
- Chicken: No chicken breasts? Cooked shredded chicken or even pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be stirred in during the last 5 minutes of simmering to heat through.
- Sauce: If you’re not a fan of marinara, a creamy tomato soup or even a jarred Alfredo sauce could work as a base, though it will change the flavor profile.
- Add-ins: For extra veggie power, toss in some spinach during the last few minutes of simmering, or stir in some sautéed mushrooms or onions with the chicken.
- Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice little kick if you like a bit of heat.
Tips for Success
A few little secrets from my kitchen to yours to ensure your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Make sure your pot is large enough to comfortably hold all the ingredients, especially the liquid and pasta. This helps everything cook evenly.
- Stir Wisely: While stirring occasionally is good, try not to stir too much during the initial simmering phase. Let the pasta absorb the liquid undisturbed for a bit.
- Adjust Liquid if Needed: If your pasta seems to be drying out before it’s tender, you can add a splash more chicken broth or water. If it seems too watery at the end, uncover and simmer for a few extra minutes to let it reduce.
- Prep Ahead: You can dice your chicken and measure out your seasonings in advance to make the cooking process even faster.
- Taste, Taste, Taste: Always taste and adjust your seasoning at the end. That’s the secret to truly restaurant-quality flavor!
How to Store It
Leftovers are a good thing, especially with this dish! Once cooled, you can store your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you might need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce and make it creamy again. You can reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave.
FAQs
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- While it will change the flavor significantly, you could try using a dairy-free milk alternative (like unsweetened almond or oat milk) and dairy-free shredded cheese alternatives. The creaminess might be a bit different, but it’s worth a shot!
- Is this recipe spicy?
- This recipe as written is not spicy. If you enjoy a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
- Why is my mac and cheese watery?
- This usually happens if there’s too much liquid or not enough cooking time. Make sure you let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes at the end to allow some of the liquid to evaporate and the sauce to thicken.
- Can I freeze this dish?
- Mac and cheese can be a bit tricky to freeze and reheat, as the texture of the pasta and sauce can change. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese
A simple and satisfying one-pot meal that combines the classic flavors of Chicken Parmesan with creamy mac and cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Stovetop
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula or spoon
- Airtight container For storing leftovers
- Microwave Optional for reheating
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts chicken breasts diced into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce use your favorite jarred sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Grab a large pot or a Dutch oven and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Toss in your diced chicken and cook it until it's nicely browned on all sides.2 chicken breasts chicken breasts
- Pour in the elbow macaroni, marinara sauce, chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.2 chicken breasts chicken breasts
- Give everything a good stir to combine. Make sure all that pasta is coated in the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover your pot and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it's all melted into a gloriously creamy, cheesy sauce that coats every single piece of pasta.2 chicken breasts chicken breasts
- Taste your creation and add salt and black pepper as needed.2 chicken breasts chicken breasts
- If you're feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley over the top. Then, dive in and enjoy your incredible one-pot meal!2 chicken breasts chicken breasts
Notes
This recipe is wonderfully forgiving and can be customized with different pasta shapes, cooked chicken, or added vegetables. For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed.