Description
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese with tender, crispy chicken and a burst of Italian flavors. Quick, easy, and comforting, this dish is perfect for busy nights when you want a satisfying dinner without the fuss!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
- In the same skillet, add the breadcrumbs and toast them for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the macaroni, chicken broth, and milk. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- While the pasta is cooking, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Once the pasta is done, stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Add the cooked chicken, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Top with the toasted breadcrumbs and garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can use seasoned breadcrumbs.
- You can add veggies like spinach or mushrooms to make this dish even more hearty.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half or reduced-fat milk instead of whole milk.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the mac and cheese simmer uncovered for an extra 2-3 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 85mg