A comforting fusion of Chicken Parmesan and Macaroni & Cheese, this dish combines tender chicken, pasta, marinara sauce, and a luscious blend of cheeses. Everything comes together in one pot, making it a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal for the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup, as everything cooks in a single pot.
- Flavor-Packed: Combines the rich, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese with the classic taste of Chicken Parmesan.
- Perfect for Families: A hearty dish that’s kid-friendly and great for weeknight dinners.
- Customizable: Swap proteins, adjust spices, or try different cheeses to make it your own.
- Golden Crunch: A buttery breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crispy finish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 tablespoons 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
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Cook the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Prepare the Pasta
- In the same pot, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and marinara sauce, and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Stir in the pasta, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and the sauce has thickened.
Combine and Melt the Cheese
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
- Add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and creamy.
Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping
- In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the pasta.
- If using an oven-safe pot, place it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. If not, toast the breadcrumbs in a skillet and sprinkle them over the pasta before serving.
Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Protein Alternatives: Use turkey, shrimp, or even plant-based chicken for a twist.
- Mixed Sauces: Combine marinara and Alfredo sauces for a creamy, tangy flavor.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Cheese Swap: Try provolone, fontina, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different cheesy experience.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary needs.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to maintain creaminess.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, rotisserie or leftover chicken works perfectly. Add it to the pot after the pasta is cooked to avoid overcooking.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Short pasta like penne, shells, or rigatoni works just as well.
3. How do I keep the breadcrumbs crispy?
If making ahead, keep the breadcrumbs separate and add them just before serving.
4. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze without the breadcrumb topping for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat with a fresh topping.
5. How can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheeses and a plant-based butter alternative.
6. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, sauté the chicken first, then cook the pasta and sauce under pressure for 5 minutes. Stir in the cheese afterward.
7. What can I substitute for marinara sauce?
Crushed tomatoes with Italian seasoning or pizza sauce are great alternatives.
8. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stir occasionally during cooking to ensure even distribution and prevent sticking.
9. Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Add spinach, broccoli, or diced zucchini for extra nutrients.
10. What can I serve alongside this dish?
A simple side salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly with this meal.
Conclusion
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that combines the best of two classic dishes. With its rich, cheesy sauce, crispy breadcrumb topping, and tender chicken, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Quick, delicious, and made in just one pot, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Give it a try, and enjoy the perfect harmony of flavors and textures!
Print
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining cheesy mac and cheese with the bold flavors of Chicken Parmesan. This easy, kid-friendly dish is perfect for busy weeknights and features tender chicken, pasta, marinara sauce, and a crispy breadcrumb topping!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons 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
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Prepare the Pasta:
- In the same pot, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth and marinara sauce, then bring the mixture to a boil.
- Stir in pasta, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce thickens.
- Combine and Melt the Cheese:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
- Add shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the pasta.
- If using an oven-safe pot, place it under the broiler for 2–3 minutes until golden brown. If not, toast breadcrumbs in a skillet and sprinkle over the dish before serving.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
- If reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to maintain creaminess.
- Add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian Fusion
