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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 creamy, cheesy, and satisfying meal that combines classic Italian flavors with comforting mac and cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, this all-in-one dish features tender seared chicken breasts, savory marinara sauce, and a rich blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, perfect for quick weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless chicken breasts

Pasta & Sauce

  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk or half-and-half

Cheeses

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Seasonings & Others

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear until golden brown on both sides but not cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  2. Build the Sauce Base: Add more olive oil if needed to the same pot. Stir in garlic powder and onion powder to release their flavors. Pour in marinara sauce, chicken broth, and milk; stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Cook the Pasta and Chicken Together: Return the seared chicken breasts to the simmering sauce. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, pressing it down to mostly submerge. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
  4. Add the Cheeses and Finish Cooking: Shred or slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces in the pot. Stir in shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, mixing until melted and the sauce thickens to creamy perfection.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle more parmesan cheese or fresh basil on top. Serve immediately for the best creamy, cheesy experience.

Notes

  • Pre-sear chicken to lock in juices and enhance flavor.
  • Use freshly grated mozzarella and parmesan for better melt and creaminess.
  • Simmer gently to avoid breaking the cheese sauce texture.
  • Adjust liquid gradually; keep extra broth on hand in case sauce thickens too much.
  • Stir pasta gently but regularly to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot chicken parmesan, mac and cheese, creamy chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner, chicken parmesan mac and cheese

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