Description
This easy, cheesy, and creamy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is the perfect combination of comfort food favorites! Made with tender chicken, gooey mozzarella, and crispy breadcrumbs, this dish packs all the flavors of classic chicken parmesan with the ease of a quick and simple mac & cheese. Everything is cooked in one pot for less mess and more taste, making it a family-friendly meal ideal for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
Units
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- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cups elbow macaroni (or other short pasta)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Cook the pasta: In the same pot, add the elbow macaroni, chicken broth, and milk. Stir well and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
- Add the cheese and sauce: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy. Add the cooked chicken back into the pot and mix well.
- Make the breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac & cheese in the pot.
- Broil (optional): For a crispy topping, place the pot under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the seasoning when cooking the chicken.
- To make this dish even quicker, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.