Gooey One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe to Adore

Comfort food reaches new heights with this creamy one-pot chicken parmesan mac & cheese that blends classic Italian flavors into a mouthwatering pasta dream.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among golden, melted cheese and al dente pasta shells.

Every bite promises a delightful combination of crispy chicken coating and rich, velvety cheese sauce.

The recipe brings together two beloved dishes in a single, easy-to-prepare masterpiece that saves you time and satisfies deep hunger cravings.

Layers of parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar create a decadent cheese blend that coats each pasta noodle with incredible flavor.

Simple ingredients and minimal cleanup make this dish a weeknight winner for anyone seeking a delicious, hassle-free meal.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible culinary creation that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 540 kcal

Servings: 6

Chicken Parm Mac: What’s Inside

• Chicken: Tender protein that provides hearty flavor and substance to the dish, choose boneless skinless chicken breast for even cooking and lean texture.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances depth of flavor and helps cook pasta, select low-sodium versions for better control of saltiness.

• Milk: Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce, whole milk creates a more luxurious texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates stretchy, gooey consistency, fresh varieties offer superior flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers sharp, nutty undertones and helps thicken the sauce, look for authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano for best results.
• Marinara Sauce: Introduces tangy tomato flavor and vibrant color, choose premium jarred sauce or homemade for authentic taste.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates crunchy golden layer, Japanese-style breadcrumbs provide superior crispness.
• Butter: Helps breadcrumbs brown and adds rich flavor, unsalted butter allows better seasoning control.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides aromatic herb blend, look for fresh, high-quality dried herb mixes.
• Fresh Parsley or Basil: Optional garnish that adds bright, fresh finish to the dish.

Kitchen Musts for One-Pot Pasta

• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: Deep cooking vessel for preparing the entire dish from start to finish.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Essential for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise tools for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Small Bowl: Used for mixing breadcrumb topping ingredients.
• Broiler-Safe Pan: Skillet must withstand high oven temperatures for final crispy topping.
• Cutting Board: Needed for any chicken preparation or herb chopping.
• Chef's Knife: For cutting chicken or chopping garnish herbs.

One-Pot Chicken Parm Mac: Cooking Game Plan

• Sizzle the Chicken Goodness

Grab your skillet and warm some olive oil over medium heat. Drop in chicken chunks seasoned with garlic, onion, and Italian magic. Dance those pieces around until they’re golden and perfectly cooked. Scoop out the chicken and set it aside for later deliciousness.

• Pasta Party

In the same pan where chicken dreams happened, pour in broth and milk. Toss in your pasta and let everything bubble together. Stir occasionally and watch the magic unfold as pasta becomes tender and liquid gets absorbed.

• Create Cheesy Harmony

Invite marinara sauce to the party. Reunite the cooked chicken with pasta. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan generously. Stir until everything melts into creamy perfection.

• Crispy Topping Transformation

Mix panko, melted butter, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. Shower this crunchy mixture over your mac & cheese landscape.

• Broiler Brilliance

Crank your oven to broil. Slide the skillet underneath and watch the topping turn golden and crispy. Keep eagle eyes to prevent burning – about 2-3 minutes should do the trick.

• Serve and Celebrate

Let your masterpiece rest for a moment. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top. Dive in and enjoy your one-pot wonder!

Flavor Boosts for This Pasta Favorite

• Cooking Mastery Magic: Crisp your panko topping to golden perfection by watching closely under the broiler, preventing any burnt edges while achieving that gorgeous crunch.
• Dairy-Free Dream: Swap traditional cheeses with plant-based alternatives like nutritional yeast and vegan mozzarella for a lactose-free version that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Protein Power Play: Replace chicken with crispy bacon bits, grilled shrimp, or plant-based protein like seasoned tofu cubes to create exciting protein variations that match different dietary preferences.
• Spice Sensation: Kick up the heat by adding red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce for those who love a zesty kick in their comfort food.
• Gluten-Free Goodness: Use gluten-free pasta and replace panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to make this dish completely celiac-friendly without losing texture and taste.

Presenting Chicken Parm Mac the Fun Way

• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella and Parmesan on top for an indulgent cheese pull that stretches with every bite.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic, comforting presentation that invites everyone to dig in together.
• Fresh Herb Flourish: Chop fresh basil or parsley and scatter over the top to add a bright, fresh note that cuts through the rich, creamy mac & cheese.
• Protein Power-Up: Add crispy bacon bits or sautéed shrimp on top for extra protein and a delightful crunch that complements the dish's creamy texture.

Tips to Store & Reheat Like It’s Fresh

• Savvy Meal Planning Strategies
• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare a double batch and divide into individual portions for quick, grab-and-go meals throughout the week. Store in airtight containers for easy reheating during busy weeknights.
• Refrigeration Smart Track: Keep leftovers in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days. The creamy texture stays best when stored in shallow, wide containers to help even cooling and prevent moisture buildup.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual servings tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to maintain the dish's creamy consistency.
• Reheating Pro Tips: Revive cold mac & cheese by adding a splash of milk when warming. Use low microwave settings or reheat in a skillet with a lid to prevent drying out, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.

Cheesy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Creamy one-pot chicken parmesan mac & cheese brings Italian-American comfort to your dinner table. Melted cheese, crispy chicken, and herbed breadcrumbs create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb chicken breast (boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 ½ cups elbow macaroni (or small pasta)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps butter (melted)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning (for topping)
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated, for topping)
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Protein Preparation: Sear seasoned chicken pieces in a spacious skillet until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken, preserving the flavorful pan drippings.
2. Pasta Infusion: Pour broth and milk into the same skillet, embedding uncooked pasta. Simmer gently, allowing pasta to absorb liquid and develop a creamy consistency while becoming perfectly tender.
3. Flavor Integration: Return cooked chicken to the skillet, drizzle marinara sauce across the surface. Generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until ingredients meld into a rich, harmonious mixture.
4. Crispy Topping Creation: Combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan, and Italian herbs to form a textural garnish with robust herbal undertones.
5. Final Transformation: Position skillet under broiler, watching intently as the breadcrumb layer caramelizes into a golden, crisp crust—approximately 2-3 minutes of intense heat exposure. The surface should transform into a crackling, amber-hued topping that adds textural contrast.
6. Serving Preparation: Allow dish to rest briefly, enabling flavors to marry and temperature to equilibrate. Garnish with fresh herbs for a vibrant, aromatic finish to this comfort-driven culinary creation.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Browning: Ensure chicken pieces are patted dry before seasoning to achieve perfect golden-brown sear, which locks in juices and develops deep flavor complexity.
• Prevent Pasta Sticking: Stir pasta frequently during cooking to avoid clumping and ensure even liquid absorption, creating consistently creamy mac and cheese texture.
• Control Broiler Timing: Watch breadcrumb topping carefully during final 2-3 minutes to prevent burning; golden-brown is the goal, not charred crumbs that taste bitter.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular pasta for gluten-free alternatives, use lactose-free cheese options, or substitute chicken with plant-based protein to accommodate different dietary restrictions without compromising overall dish integrity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 532
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg