Description
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy, cheesy pasta with tender chicken in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce. Topped with crispy Parmesan breadcrumbs, this dish offers a perfect balance of textures and bold, satisfying flavors. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner idea or a cozy weekend indulgence, this recipe delivers hearty goodness in every bite. Plus, it’s all made in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze!
Ingredients
For the Pasta & Chicken:
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (such as penne or macaroni)
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp garlic powder or 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for mixing with breadcrumbs)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and fully cooked (about 6–8 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same pot, add chicken broth, heavy cream, marinara sauce, garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
- Cook the Pasta: Add uncooked pasta to the sauce. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is al dente.
- Add Chicken and Cheese: Return cooked chicken to the pot. Gradually add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
- Prepare the Topping: Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.
- Broil for Golden Crust: Preheat broiler. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture over pasta. Broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Let cool for a few minutes, then garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes