One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

If you’re a fan of comfort food, One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is about to become your new best friend. Imagine the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese, but with a crispy, golden chicken twist that takes it to a whole new level. This dish combines the best of both worlds—tender chicken, hearty pasta, and that irresistible, melty cheese all in one pot. It’s pure comfort in every bite, and the best part? No extra dishes to wash afterward. Trust me, this is the kind of meal that will make you want to dive right in and savor every cheesy, delicious forkful.

Why You’ll Love One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

Easy Cleanup, Big Flavor

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Everything cooks in one pot, meaning you spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying. Plus, it’s packed with flavor that will make your taste buds do a happy dance!

Creamy and Cheesy

The mac and cheese base is rich, creamy, and full of cheesy goodness—just like the comfort food you know and love. And with the added chicken and Italian seasonings, it feels like a cozy, hearty meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Perfect for Busy Nights

This one-pot wonder comes together quickly, so even on the busiest nights, you can have a satisfying, home-cooked meal on the table in no time.

Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved

If you’ve got picky eaters at home, this is one of those dishes that will please everyone. The combo of crispy chicken and cheesy pasta is a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients in One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

Here’s what you’ll need for this deliciously cheesy meal:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy, this chicken is the star of the show.
• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta for the mac and cheese base. You can also use other short pasta shapes like penne or rotini.
• Olive Oil: For searing the chicken and adding a bit of richness.
• Breadcrumbs: Adds that signature crunch to the chicken, making it just like a traditional chicken Parmesan.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, savory kick to both the chicken and the mac and cheese.
• Cheddar Cheese: The melty, gooey cheese that makes the mac and cheese irresistible.
• Milk: Creates that creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create the creamy base.
• Garlic Powder: For an aromatic, savory flavor.
• Onion Powder: A hint of sweetness and depth.
• Italian Seasoning: The perfect blend of herbs that makes this dish taste like it’s from an Italian kitchen.
• Chicken Broth: Used to cook the pasta and give it that extra savory flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, for bringing everything together and enhancing the flavors.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving:

• Calories: 560
• Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 53g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 39g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 960mg
• Potassium: 670mg
• Calcium: 35% DV
• Iron: 12% DV

(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Pasta

In the same pot, add the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the elbow macaroni and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

Reduce the heat to low. Add the butter and milk to the pot and stir until the butter is melted and the sauce is creamy. Next, stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until everything is melted and smooth.

Step 4: Add the Chicken and Breadcrumbs

While the pasta is cooking, slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Once the cheese sauce is smooth, add the sliced chicken back into the pot, along with the garlic powder, onion powder, and additional Italian seasoning to taste. Stir to combine.

Step 5: Finish with a Crunch

Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the mac and cheese mixture and cover the pot with a lid. Let it cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the breadcrumbs to soften slightly and the dish to come together into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once everything is combined and the breadcrumbs have softened, serve your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese hot! Top with extra Parmesan cheese if desired, and enjoy this cheesy, creamy, and utterly comforting dish.

How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

With a Side Salad

Pair this dish with a light side salad for a well-rounded meal. A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette works wonders to cut through the richness of the mac and cheese.

Garlic Bread

You can’t go wrong with a side of garlic bread to scoop up the cheesy sauce. It’s the perfect complement to this dish, and who doesn’t love a crispy, buttery slice of bread?

Roasted Veggies

Serve with roasted veggies like broccoli or green beans to add a fresh, healthy balance to the rich and creamy mac and cheese.

Extra Parmesan

Top the dish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese just before serving for that extra cheesy goodness.

Additional Tips

Use a Rotisserie Chicken

To save time, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and add it to the pot once the cheese sauce is ready—instant chicken Parmesan goodness!

Swap the Pasta

While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, you can use any short pasta you like. Penne, fusilli, or even rigatoni would work wonderfully.

Make It Spicy

If you like a little heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the sauce to give it a spicy kick.

Make Ahead

You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, just place it back on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to bring the sauce back to life.

Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra milk to keep it creamy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A1: Yes, chicken thighs will work great in this recipe! They’re extra juicy and tender, and they’ll add even more flavor to the dish.

Q2: Can I make this dish without breadcrumbs?
A2: Absolutely! You can skip the breadcrumbs or top the dish with extra cheese for that same crispy, golden effect.

Q3: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
A3: Yes, feel free to swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the pot.

Q4: How can I make this dish spicier?
A4: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for some extra heat.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: Yes, this dish freezes well! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop with a bit of milk to keep it creamy.

Q6: Can I use different cheese?
A6: Definitely! While cheddar and Parmesan are ideal for this dish, you can try mozzarella, gouda, or even fontina for a different flavor profile.

Q7: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A7: Yes! You can add spinach, mushrooms, or even tomatoes to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.

Q8: How can I make this dish lower in calories?
A8: You can use light cheese and milk, or opt for cauliflower pasta for a lighter version of this dish.

Q9: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A9: Yes, simply skip the chicken and replace it with sautéed vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for a veggie-packed version.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just use a larger pot and adjust the cooking times slightly, if needed.

Conclusion

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is everything you crave in comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. Plus, the fact that it’s all made in one pot means less time spent cleaning and more time enjoying this decadent meal with your loved ones. It’s the ultimate cozy dish, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to treat yourself to something indulgent. So grab your pot and get cooking—you won’t regret it!

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