Combine two comfort food favorites into one irresistible dish with this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese. Creamy, cheesy pasta meets saucy chicken parmesan in a single pot—perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty, flavorful, and low on cleanup.
🍗 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food Fusion – Classic mac & cheese meets the bold flavor of Chicken Parm.
- One-Pot Wonder – Less mess, less stress, and fewer dishes to wash.
- Cheesy & Satisfying – Mozzarella and Parmesan bring gooey, melty goodness.
- Crispy Topping – A golden panko crust takes it over the top!
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or other short pasta)
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
👨🍳 How to Make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat.
Add diced chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 2: Simmer the Pasta
In the same pot, sauté garlic for 1 minute.
Pour in chicken broth and marinara sauce; bring to a boil.
Stir in pasta, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Cheese
Return the chicken to the pot.
Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until fully melted and creamy.
Step 4: Make the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, combine melted butter and panko breadcrumbs.
Sprinkle over the pasta.
Optional Broiler Finish: Place under the broiler for 2–3 minutes until golden brown.
Alternative: Toast breadcrumbs separately and add just before serving.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy that cheesy, saucy bite!
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Classic Side: Serve with garlic bread and a crisp Caesar salad.
- Family Style: Top with extra Parmesan at the table.
- Leftover Hack: Scoop into a tortilla for a cheesy mac wrap or use as filling for stuffed peppers.
- Weeknight Pairing: Enjoy with roasted green beans or a simple arugula salad.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container (without breadcrumbs) for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove with a splash of broth or milk. Broil breadcrumbs fresh before serving.
🍗 One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese
Equipment
- Deep skillet or large pot with lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Small mixing bowl
- Broiler (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups elbow macaroni or short pasta of choice
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Step 2: Simmer the Pasta
- Add garlic to the same pot and sauté for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and marinara sauce; bring to a boil.
- Stir in pasta, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is al dente.
- Step 3: Add Chicken and Cheese
- Return cooked chicken to the pot.
- Add mozzarella and Parmesan; stir until melted and creamy.
- Step 4: Make the Crunchy Topping
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter with panko breadcrumbs.
- Sprinkle over the top of the pasta.
- Optional Finish:
- Broil for 2–3 minutes until topping is golden and crisp.
- Alternative: Toast breadcrumbs separately and sprinkle before serving.
- Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Top with chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy that cheesy, saucy goodness!
Notes
🔍 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: ~520
- Protein: ~35g
- Carbs: ~38g
- Fat: ~25g
- Sodium: ~700mg
- Calcium: ~20% DV
🔥 Pro Tips
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts smoother and enhances flavor.
- Toast Panko Separately: If not broiling, toast breadcrumbs on the stovetop for maximum crunch.
- Add Liquid Gradually: If pasta looks dry, add more broth while cooking.
- Double the Recipe: Perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
🔄 Variations & Add-Ons
- Veggie Boost: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers.
- Buffalo Twist: Swap marinara for buffalo sauce + ranch drizzle.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
- Low-Carb: Sub pasta with cauliflower florets or chickpea pasta.
- Extra Cheesy: Stir in cream cheese or ricotta for extra richness.
🔍 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: ~520
- Protein: ~35g
- Carbs: ~38g
- Fat: ~25g
- Sodium: ~700mg
- Calcium: ~20% DV
❓ FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth.
What’s the best pasta to use?
Elbow macaroni works great, but penne, shells, or rotini also hold the sauce well.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! It’s a great time-saver—just stir it in at the end with the cheese.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes, but freeze before adding the breadcrumb topping. Reheat and add fresh topping before serving.
✅ Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is a crowd-pleasing twist on two classic dishes—made even better by the fact that it all comes together in one pan. From the tender chicken to the cheesy pasta and crispy topping, it’s comfort food done right. Give it a try tonight, and enjoy a deliciously fuss-free meal! 🍽️🔥
