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One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese
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One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is a comforting and delicious Italian-American dish that combines tender chicken, creamy cheesy pasta, and rich marinara sauce all cooked in one pot. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, offering rich Italian flavors with minimal cleanup and customizable options to suit various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 chicken breasts, seasoned with salt and pepper

Pasta

  • 2 cups dry elbow macaroni

Sauce & Dairy

  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups milk or cream, at room temperature

Aromatics & Seasonings

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Others

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Approximately 2 cups water (enough to just cover the pasta)

Instructions

  1. Searing the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and add seasoned chicken breasts. Cook until golden brown on both sides but not completely done, then remove and set aside—this ensures juicy, flavorful chicken in the final dish.
  2. Building the Sauce Base: In the same pot, sauté minced garlic briefly until aromatic, then pour in marinara sauce along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer gently to marry the flavors.
  3. Adding Pasta and Liquid: Add dry elbow macaroni to the pot, followed by milk or cream and enough water to just cover the pasta. Stir well to combine everything without breaking the pasta pieces.
  4. Cooking the Pasta and Chicken Together: Return the seared chicken to the pot, nestling it among the pasta. Cover with a lid and let everything simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and the chicken is cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
  5. Mixing in the Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in shredded mozzarella and parmesan until they melt into a rich, creamy sauce enveloping the pasta and chicken beautifully. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use room temperature dairy products for smoother cheese melting and sauce texture.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; aim for al dente as it will soften further after cooking.
  • Cut chicken evenly for consistent cooking and well-distributed bites.
  • Simmer the dish gently to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from becoming watery.
  • Add cheese off the heat to avoid stringy or clumpy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken parmesan, macaroni and cheese, one-pot recipe, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner, cheesy chicken pasta

Find it online: https://elenaglam.com/one-pot-chicken-parmesan-mac-cheese/