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One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is a comforting, easy-to-make dish blending tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and creamy, cheesy macaroni cooked all in one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers delicious Italian-inspired flavors with minimal cleanup, ready in under 30 minutes for a satisfying family meal.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Protein

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – 2 medium (about 1 pound)

Pasta and Dairy

  • Elbow macaroni – 2 cups (dry)
  • Milk – 2 cups, room temperature
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese – 1 ½ cups
  • Grated Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, freshly grated

Sauce and Flavorings

  • Tomato sauce – 1 ½ cups
  • Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
  • Italian herbs (oregano and basil) – 1 teaspoon combined
  • Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
  • Salt – 1 teaspoon, or to taste
  • Black pepper – ½ teaspoon, or to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare and sauté the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside to rest.
  2. Cook the aromatics and build flavor: In the same pot, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute. Pour in the tomato sauce and stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom to intensify the flavor.
  3. Add pasta and liquid: Add the dry macaroni and room temperature milk to the pot, stirring to combine. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, allowing the pasta to cook in the sauce, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Slice chicken and combine: While the pasta cooks, slice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces. Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, add the chicken pieces back to the pot.
  5. Stir in cheeses and finish: Remove the pot from heat and add shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheese melts into a creamy, smooth sauce coating every piece of pasta and chicken.

Notes

  • Use room temperature milk to prevent the cheese sauce from clumping and ensure smooth melting.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta; keep it slightly firm as it will soften further while sitting in the cheese sauce.
  • Rest the chicken before slicing to keep it juicy and tender when combined with the mac & cheese.
  • Stir frequently during cooking to prevent sticking and help the sauce thicken evenly.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better flavor and texture compared to pre-grated options.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: One-Pot Cooking / Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free pasta and tomato sauce are used)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: chicken parmesan, mac and cheese, one-pot recipe, easy dinner, comfort food, Italian, weeknight meal