One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese
A creamy, cheesy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese perfect for quick, comforting weeknight dinners. This recipe combines tender chicken, Parmesan, mozzarella, and elbow macaroni all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup and rich flavor that the whole family will love.
- Author: Kathy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free pasta and flour)
Protein
- 2 large chicken breasts, diced
Pasta & Dairy
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream or whole milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
Sauce & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken)
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Prepare the roux: In the same pot, melt butter. Whisk in flour to create a smooth paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to remove raw flour taste.
- Add liquids and pasta: Slowly whisk in heavy cream or milk until smooth. Stir in minced garlic, crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce, then add elbow macaroni. Mix well to combine.
- Cook the pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender.
- Add the cheese and chicken: Stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and mix thoroughly.
- Final seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Italian herbs if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the gooey, cheesy comfort meal.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting texture.
- Stir frequently while cooking to prevent sticking and clumping.
- Cook pasta to al dente as it will soften further in the sauce.
- Adjust milk or cream quantity to achieve desired sauce thickness.
- Add cheese off heat to avoid grainy or oily texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: one-pot, chicken parmesan, mac and cheese, creamy, quick dinner, kid-friendly