If you’re craving super-comforting, extra-creamy, and impossibly easy comfort food, the Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe is absolutely heaven sent. This dish brings the bold, cozy flavors of chicken parmesan together with the irresistible creaminess of classic mac and cheese, all in one skillet—meaning less mess, more cheese pulls, and a whole lot more joy at dinnertime. Whether you’re wrangling a busy weeknight or hosting friends for a casual gathering, this one-pot wonder is bound to become your new go-to for big smiles and satisfied appetites.

Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the greatest joys of this recipe is how it turns a handful of pantry staples and fridge favorites into a bubbling pot of deliciousness. Every ingredient has a purposeful place—whether it’s bringing in tenderness, tang, cheesy pull, or that golden, crispy topping you’ll adore.

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken for a flavorful foundation.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Diced for quick, even cooking and juicy bites throughout the mac and cheese.
Garlic: Gives a fragrant, savory depth that really makes each bite pop.
Uncooked elbow macaroni: The classic shape for catching all that cheesy sauce.
Chicken broth: Infuses the whole dish with savory intensity while cooking the pasta.
Marinara sauce: Adds familiar tomato flavor, marrying the mac and cheese with chicken parm magic.
Milk: Makes the sauce silky and impossibly creamy.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: The main event for classic cheese pulls and meltiness.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings signature sharpness and salty punch reminiscent of chicken parmesan.
Italian seasoning: A herby blend that rounds out the flavor profile perfectly.
Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out the best in every ingredient.
Panko breadcrumbs (optional): Offers that golden crunch on top if you love texture.
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh burst of color and a whiff of garden-brightness to finish.

How to Make Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden and just cooked through. This first step builds incredible flavor and ensures every bite of the Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe starts with juicy, seasoned chicken.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Sprinkle in the garlic and sauté for just a minute, letting its aroma flood the kitchen. That little bit of fragrant garlic is the secret to making the sauce taste like it’s been simmering all day (no one has to know it only took a minute!).

Step 3: Add the Liquids and Pasta

Now for the magic: stir in the uncooked macaroni, chicken broth, marinara sauce, and milk. Give it all a good stir so the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring it up to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring now and then so nothing sticks, until the pasta is plump and most of the liquid has been absorbed, wrapping everything in a tangy, creamy sauce.

Step 4: Make It Cheesy

When the pasta is just right, turn off the heat and stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. The hot pasta melts them into a creamy, stretchy, ultra-savory sauce you won’t want to stop swirling around your fork. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if you’d like.

Step 5: Top and Broil (Optional)

If you adore a crunchy topping, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top of your skillet, then place it under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the crumbs turn golden and crisp. Keep a close eye—this happens quickly!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish your Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe with a dusting of fresh chopped parsley for brightness, then spoon it up while it’s hot and bubbling for the ultimate comfort food experience.

How to Serve Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

This dish loves a finishing flourish! A generous sprinkle of chopped parsley adds that fresh green pop, while an extra dusting of Parmesan brings more flavor and a little drama to the table. If you want even more zip, a few red pepper flakes or a drizzle of good olive oil make wonderful additions over the top.

Side Dishes

Since the Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe is so hearty, you’ll want sides that brighten and balance the plate—think a crisp Caesar salad, lightly roasted asparagus, or a platter of juicy grape tomatoes. Don’t forget a slice of warm garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of cheesy sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For family style, bring the whole skillet to the center of your table for a big, comfort-food moment. Or, scoop the mac and cheese into cute ramekins before broiling for individually portioned servings that are perfect for parties. To impress, serve it in a hollowed bread bowl for a fun twist, letting everyone tear and dip the bread right into the gooey cheese.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), let the mac and cheese cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors just keep getting better, making lunch the next day a total treat.

Freezing

For longer storage, portion the Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe into freezer-safe containers. It freezes beautifully for up to 2 months—just be sure to let it cool first. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of milk to help loosen the sauce and microwave gently, stirring every 30 seconds, until heated through. Alternatively, warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often, until hot and creamy again. Add extra cheese if you like for added comfort!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni makes for a nostalgic, ultra-creamy texture, you can swap in penne, rotini, or even shells. Just watch the cooking time, since different shapes may need a minute or two more or less to get perfectly tender.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Easy! Replace the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free noodle and make sure your breadcrumbs (if using) are gluten-free as well. Everything else in the Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely. Stir in a big handful of baby spinach in the last few minutes of simmering for color and nutrition, or toss in some chopped tomatoes, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra heartiness and flavor.

What’s the best way to use rotisserie chicken instead?

Skip the chicken browning step and stir in bite-size pieces of cooked rotisserie chicken when you add the pasta and liquids. This shortcut shaves off prep time but still gives you that rich, savory chicken flavor.

Is there a way to make this dish even cheesier?

Oh yes! You can sprinkle extra mozzarella and Parmesan on top before broiling or even stir in a little cream cheese for a silkier sauce. This is your Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe, so don’t be afraid to double down on the cheese if that’s what your heart desires!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about sitting down to a big bowl of the Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe—it’s classic comfort, easy to whip up, and guaranteed to bring smiles from the very first bite. If you’ve been searching for a weeknight hero or a new addition to your comfort food rotation, be sure to give this recipe a try. Happy cooking and happy eating!

Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese recipe. A delicious combination of tender chicken, cheesy pasta, and savory marinara sauce, all cooked in one pot for a simple and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
2 ½ cups chicken broth
1 ½ cups marinara sauce
1 cup milk
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a pot, add chicken, season, and cook until browned.
Add Ingredients: Sauté garlic, then mix in pasta, broth, marinara, and milk. Simmer until pasta is tender.
Melt Cheese: Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until creamy.
Finish: Optionally, top with breadcrumbs and broil. Garnish with parsley before serving.