One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe Ever Made

Mac and cheese takes an unexpected turn with this one-pot chicken parmesan fusion that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Comfort meets gourmet in a skillet packed with creamy pasta and crispy chicken goodness.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with melted cheese, golden-brown breadcrumbs, and juicy chicken pieces.

Classic Italian flavors blend seamlessly with everyone’s favorite childhood dish.

Hungry souls will appreciate how quickly this meal comes together without compromising on taste.

Layers of parmesan, tender chicken, and al dente pasta create a symphony of textures that’ll have you coming back for seconds.

Grab your favorite skillet and get ready to become the dinner hero of the night.

Tips for Melty, Cheesy Mac and Chicken

• Master the One-Pot Technique: Clean up becomes a breeze when you use a single skillet, saving time and reducing dish-washing hassle.
• Customize Cheese Blend: Swap mozzarella and Parmesan with your favorite cheeses like sharp cheddar or provolone for a personalized flavor profile.
• Control Pasta Moisture: Stir frequently during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even liquid absorption for perfect creamy consistency.
• Boost Protein Options: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp, crispy bacon bits, or plant-based protein crumbles to suit different dietary preferences.
• Prevent Breadcrumb Burning: Watch the broiling process closely, keeping the skillet about 4-6 inches from the heat source to achieve golden-brown topping without charring.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Parm Mac Right

• Store the chicken Parmesan mac & cheese in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Sealed properly, it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer a single serving to a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk to restore creaminess, then heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place mac & cheese in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
• This dish doesn't freeze well due to pasta and cream-based sauce, which can separate and become grainy when thawed.

What to Serve with Chicken Parm Mac & Cheese

• Crisp Chardonnay cuts through the rich, cheesy mac and complements the chicken's savory notes perfectly.
• Prepare a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's creamy, indulgent texture and add bright, zesty contrast.
• Roasted garlic green beans provide a simple, earthy vegetable accompaniment that adds nutritional balance and introduces a subtle herbal element to the meal.
• Choose a medium-bodied Pinot Noir with soft tannins that harmonizes with the chicken and cheese, creating a smooth, satisfying dining experience.

Fresh Takes on Chicken Parm Mac & Cheese

• Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Swap regular flour-based seasonings with certified gluten-free alternatives.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with roasted cauliflower or plant-based chicken alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Edition: Replace pasta with riced cauliflower or cauliflower pasta. Reduce breadcrumb quantity and use almond flour for a lower-carbohydrate option that keeps the creamy texture.
• Dairy-Free Friendly Version: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds. Swap milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk to create a lactose-free recipe that still delivers incredible taste.

Chicken Parm Mac & Cheese Q&A

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute other short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or shells. Just ensure the cooking time and liquid ratio remain consistent with the original recipe.

• Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning or mix some hot sauce into the marinara sauce for extra heat. You can also sprinkle cayenne pepper in the breadcrumb topping for a spicy kick.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, replace some cheese with low-fat options, use skinless chicken breast, and add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to increase nutritional value. You can also reduce the amount of butter in the topping.

• Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and pasta base in advance, store separately in the refrigerator, and assemble and broil just before serving. This helps maintain the crispy breadcrumb topping and prevents the pasta from becoming soggy.

Why Chicken Parm Mac & Cheese Is a Crowd Favorite

• This one-pot marvel transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal with minimal effort.
• Prepare a complete dinner in under 30 minutes, using just one skillet and delivering maximum flavor without complex techniques.
• Combine classic chicken parmesan with beloved mac & cheese, creating an irresistible dish that satisfies both kids and adults with its cheesy, crispy goodness.
• Eliminate multiple pots and pans by cooking everything in a single skillet, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time after dinner preparation.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This One-Pot Dinner

• Chicken: Provides lean protein and adds hearty flavor to the dish. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for even cooking.

• Pasta, Chicken Broth, Milk: Creates creamy mac and cheese foundation. Elbow macaroni or similar short pasta recommended for best texture.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Marinara Sauce: Adds rich, melty cheese flavor and classic Italian-style sauce. Use freshly grated cheese for better melting.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Provides depth of flavor and enhances overall dish taste. Use high-quality dried herbs for best results.

• Panko Breadcrumbs, Butter, Parmesan Cheese, Italian Seasoning: Creates crispy, golden-brown topping with extra flavor. Panko breadcrumbs provide superior crunch.

• Olive Oil, Fresh Parsley or Basil: Helps with cooking and adds fresh finishing touch. Extra virgin olive oil recommended for best flavor.

Cooking One-Pot Chicken Parm Mac with Ease

Step 1: Sizzle The Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat

Add chicken pieces

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Cook chicken until browned and fully cooked, stirring occasionally. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Craft The Pasta Base

Use the same skillet

Pour in chicken broth and milk

Add pasta

Stir thoroughly

Bring mixture to a gentle simmer

Reduce heat to medium-low

Cook pasta until tender and liquid is mostly absorbed, stirring periodically

Step 3: Create Creamy Fusion

Mix in marinara sauce

Return cooked chicken to skillet

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese

Add Parmesan cheese

Stir until cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, rich texture

Step 4: Develop Crunchy Topping

Combine in a bowl:

Panko breadcrumbs

Melted butter

Parmesan cheese

Italian seasoning

Distribute topping evenly across the mac & cheese surface

Step 5: Crisp Under The Broiler

Set oven to broil

Position skillet under broiler

Watch carefully

Toast topping until golden and crispy

Remove after 2-3 minutes

Step 6: Serve With Flair

Allow dish to cool slightly

Optionally garnish with fresh herbs

Scoop into bowls

Enjoy immediately

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this one-pot chicken parmesan mac & cheese, blending Italian-American flavors into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece. Rich parmesan, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta will make you crave this irresistible skillet sensation again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Pasta and Base:

• 2 ½ cups elbow macaroni (or small pasta of choice)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup marinara sauce

Cheese and Seasonings:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Topping:

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prep the protein by searing seasoned chicken pieces in a spacious skillet until golden and thoroughly cooked. Transfer the meat to a separate plate while maintaining the flavorful pan residue.
2. Transform the same skillet into a pasta-cooking vessel by introducing broth and milk. Nestle uncooked pasta into the liquid, allowing it to simmer gently and absorb the savory mixture until tender and creamy.
3. Reintroduce the cooked chicken into the pasta landscape, then cascade marinara sauce across the surface. Blanket the entire creation with mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until a luxurious, melted harmony emerges.
4. Craft a crunchy crown by blending panko, melted butter, additional Parmesan, and Italian herbs into a textural topping mixture.
5. Position the skillet beneath the broiler, monitoring closely as the breadcrumb layer transforms into a crackling, amber-hued crust; approximately 2-3 minutes of intense heat.
6. Allow the dish to rest momentarily, permitting flavors to harmonize and temperature to moderate. Optionally embellish with fresh herb sprinkles before presenting this rustic, comfort-driven meal.

Notes

• Select chicken breasts of even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a better golden-brown exterior and enhance flavor absorption.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
• Adjust pasta cooking time based on specific pasta shape and package instructions for perfect al dente texture.
• For a gluten-free version, replace regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding sharp cheddar or provolone for more complex flavor profiles.
• Substitute marinara with arrabbiata sauce for a spicier kick or vodka sauce for added richness.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated with a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency.
• For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of some milk and opt for reduced-fat cheese options.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 63 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg