Description

This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is a comforting and creamy fusion dish combining the best of chicken parmesan and mac and cheese. Packed with tender chicken, crispy breadcrumbs, gooey cheese, and marinara sauce, it brings the taste of a classic Italian dish to a creamy pasta favorite.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes

Salt and pepper to taste

1 small onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup marinara sauce

1 1/2 cups chicken broth

8 oz elbow macaroni

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 tablespoon butter

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
In the same pan, add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Add the marinara sauce and chicken broth to the pan, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add the elbow macaroni to the pan and stir well. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and mix everything together.
In a small separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown and crispy.
Sprinkle the crispy breadcrumbs over the top of the mac and cheese, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
If you want a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or mix in chopped jalapeños.
Feel free to swap mozzarella for provolone, gouda, or cheddar for a different flavor.
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat leftovers on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 85mg