I’m so excited to share this One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac Cheese with you. It’s cheesy, comforting, and packed with tender chicken and that classic Parmesan flavor I love. Honestly, it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate!
If you’re looking for an easy dinner that combines two favorites—mac and cheese and chicken Parmesan—this recipe is perfect. Cooking it all in one pot means less cleanup and more time to enjoy. Plus, the creamy sauce and crispy chicken make every bite deliciously satisfying.
I can’t wait for you to try it and make dinner extra special tonight. Ready to get started?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family Favorite: Many readers say it’s their “go-to” weeknight dinner because it’s filling and delicious.
- Easy One Pot Meal: Everything cooks together in one pot, so less mess and quick prep.
- Rich and Creamy: The mix of cheeses and cream makes this mac and cheese extra smooth and flavorful.
- Classic Italian Flavors: With marinara, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning, it tastes like a cozy Italian kitchen.
- Versatile: You can add veggies or swap cheeses to make it your own.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: About 50 minutes
Servings:
This recipe serves 6 people comfortably. Perfect for a family dinner or leftovers for the next day.
Difficulty:
Easy to moderate. Great for beginners but satisfying for experienced cooks too.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large deep skillet or Dutch oven with a lid
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Grater for Parmesan (optional if pre-grated)
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this creamy chicken Parmesan mac and cheese. Exact amounts are in the recipe card below.
- Chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Elbow macaroni: Classic pasta for mac and cheese.
- Olive oil: For sautéing chicken.
- Marinara sauce: Brings tomato flavor and moisture.
- Chicken broth: Helps cook the pasta and adds flavor.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly for gooey texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor.
- Garlic powder: For a mild garlicky taste.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs for authentic flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Variations for One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac Cheese
- Add Vegetables: Stir in chopped spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for extra nutrition and color.
- Swap Pasta: Use penne or rotini if you prefer a different shape or texture.
- Cheese Mix: Try adding provolone, fontina, or sharp cheddar for more depth of flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat.
- Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: For faster prep, use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken.
How to Make One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac Cheese — Step-by-Step
1. Prepare the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces seasoned lightly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. Cook the Pasta
In the same pot, add the uncooked elbow macaroni, chicken broth, marinara sauce, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
3. Simmer the Pasta
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then reduce heat to medium-low and cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.
4. Add the Cheese and Chicken
Remove the lid and stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Add the cooked chicken back to the pot. Mix everything gently until the cheese melts and the chicken is evenly distributed.
5. Adjust and Finish
Taste the mac and cheese and add more salt or pepper if needed. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. Let it cook uncovered for another 2-3 minutes to meld all the flavors together.
How to Serve One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac Cheese
This dish shines on its own, but you can pair it with:
- Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread or breadsticks are perfect for dipping.
- Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a healthy crunch.
- Simple Side: Serve with roasted cherry tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
Storing One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac Cheese
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
- Freeze: This dish freezes well. Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Note: Nutrition may vary based on brands and exact ingredient amounts.
One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac Cheese
Course: Chicken Recipes6
servings20
minutes30
minutes480
kcalIngredients
2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Add elbow macaroni, chicken broth, marinara sauce, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the same pot. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid absorbed.
- Remove lid and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Add cooked chicken back. Mix until cheese melts and chicken is heated.
- Adjust seasoning as needed. If too thick, add a splash of milk or broth. Cook uncovered for 2-3 more minutes. Serve warm.
One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac Cheese FAQs
Q: Can I use pre-cooked or leftover chicken?
Yes! Just add shredded or chopped cooked chicken in step 4 to warm through.
Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try using dairy-free cream and cheese substitutes, but the texture and flavor will be different.
Q: What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Whole milk with a little butter can work as a substitute, but the dish will be less rich.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead but add cheese and pasta fresh when cooking.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth, stirring often to keep it creamy.
Conclusion
This One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac Cheese recipe is a simple and satisfying way to enjoy the classic flavors of chicken Parmesan combined with creamy mac and cheese. It’s easy to make, hearty, and perfect for busy nights when you want a comforting meal without a lot of fuss. Using just one pot saves time on cleanup, and the dish is versatile enough to customize with your favorite add-ins. I hope this recipe brings warmth and smiles to your table!