Let’s talk comfort food, shall we? Imagine all your favorite flavors from a classic Chicken Parmesan—tender, juicy chicken, gooey cheese, and a little bit of crunch—all wrapped up in a creamy, dreamy bowl of mac and cheese. And the best part? You don’t have to juggle a million pots and pans. This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is as easy to make as it is to devour. It’s one of those meals that feels like a hug from the inside. Trust me, once you dig into this dish, you’ll be hooked.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, this recipe is here to make life easier and tastier. So, grab that skillet, and let’s get cooking.
Why You’ll Love One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese
This dish isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about creating memories. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy dinner or serving it at your next gathering, here’s why it’s going to be your new favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for a busy weeknight or as the star of your weekend dinner party. Coming home after a long day and knowing you can have a bowl of this creamy, cheesy goodness ready in no time? Pure bliss. And when friends are over, it’s guaranteed to be the dish everyone asks for seconds of.
Budget-Friendly: It uses simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. No need for fancy ingredients—this dish proves that comfort food doesn’t have to break the bank.
Quick and Easy: Don’t stress if you’re not an expert in the kitchen. This recipe has got your back! With just a few easy steps, you’ll be digging into a big bowl of creamy, cheesy, chicken-filled goodness in no time.
Customizable: Want to make it a bit bolder? Toss in some red pepper flakes for a little heat. Prefer a milder version? Feel free to tweak the seasoning to your heart’s content.
Crowd-Pleasing: Kids love it, adults love it, and everyone in between is obsessed with it. It’s one of those rare dishes that everyone can agree on, making it the perfect go-to when feeding a crowd.

Ingredients in One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese
The beauty of this recipe is in the simplicity of the ingredients, but don’t let that fool you—each one plays a role in making this dish absolutely irresistible. Let’s break it down:
Chicken Breasts: Tender, juicy chicken breasts are the heart of this dish. They soak up all the seasonings and add that classic Chicken Parmesan flavor that we all know and love.
Pasta: Elbow macaroni is a must for this creamy mac and cheese, but feel free to switch it up with any pasta you have on hand. You just want something that will hold onto that cheesy sauce.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, gooey mozzarella is a non-negotiable here. It’s what gives this dish that decadent, pull-apart cheesiness we all crave.
Parmesan Cheese: This brings in the salty, umami-rich flavor that makes everything taste extra special.
Breadcrumbs: For that little bit of crunch on top. You know the part that makes you go, “Mmm, yes, that’s the good stuff!” It adds a crispy texture that balances out the creamy pasta perfectly.
Spices and Seasonings: Garlic, Italian seasoning, and a bit of salt and pepper bring all the flavors to life. You can adjust these to your taste to create the perfect balance.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! You’re about to make something magical, and I promise it’s easier than you think.
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). You want it nice and hot when it’s time to bake. Trust me, the sizzle will be worth it.
Cook the Chicken: Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, then cook them until they’re golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside to rest before slicing them into bite-sized pieces.
Make the Mac & Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt some butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook it for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Then, pour in some heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is thick and creamy.
Cook the Pasta: Add your pasta to the sauce, ensuring it’s well-coated. Let it cook in the sauce until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened. If the sauce gets too thick, just add a splash of milk to loosen it up a bit.
Combine Everything: Add the sliced chicken pieces to the skillet, stirring them into the pasta and cheese. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
Top with Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top of your mac and cheese for that crunchy, golden finish.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy.
Finishing Touches: Once out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes to set. It’s hard to resist, but trust me, giving it a moment makes all the difference.
Serve and Enjoy: Dish it up and get ready for the oohs and aahs. Whether you’re serving it as the star of the dinner table or alongside a fresh green salad, this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese will steal the show.
How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese
This dish is delicious all on its own, but if you’re looking to elevate it a little, here are a few ideas for serving:
Fresh Salad: A crisp, green salad with a light vinaigrette will add a fresh contrast to the richness of the mac and cheese.
Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the cheesy goodness.
Steamed Veggies: Try pairing it with some simple steamed veggies, like broccoli or green beans, for a little color and crunch.
Presentation: Serving it in a large, family-style dish, topped with fresh basil or parsley, makes it feel extra special.
Additional Tips
Here are a few tips to make your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese even better:
Prep Ahead: You can prep the chicken and even make the sauce ahead of time, so when it’s dinner time, all you have to do is combine and bake.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick.
Dietary Adjustments: If you need to make this dish gluten-free, simply swap out the pasta for a gluten-free variety, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.
Storage Tips: Leftovers? No problem! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a little milk to bring back that creamy texture.
Double the Batch: This dish freezes well, so make a double batch and have a homemade meal ready to go for a busy day!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, you can use whatever pasta you have on hand, like penne or rotini.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Prepare it up to the point of baking, then refrigerate it. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven to finish.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, this dish freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals, adding a little milk if needed.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! Just use a larger skillet or baking dish and adjust the cooking time slightly.
Q7: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A7: You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
Q8: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A8: To make it dairy-free, swap the cream for coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese options.
Q9: What side dishes go well with this recipe?
A9: A simple green salad or roasted vegetables are great pairings to balance out the richness.
Q10: Can I add extra veggies to this dish?
A10: Yes! Feel free to add spinach, bell peppers, or even zucchini for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Conclusion
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is the kind of dish that turns any meal into something special. It’s comforting, cheesy, and packed with flavor—plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make! Whether you’re feeding a family or having a cozy night in, this recipe will definitely become a go-to. So, grab your skillet, get cooking, and prepare to enjoy a bowl of pure happiness.
PrintOne-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting meal that combines the best of chicken parmesan and mac & cheese. Ready in one pot and packed with flavor, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add marinara sauce, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the pot, stirring to combine.
- Stir in macaroni and bring to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened.
- Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few extra minutes.
- Feel free to use your favorite marinara sauce or homemade sauce for a more personalized touch.
- For extra flavor, top with fresh basil or extra Parmesan before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg