One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac

The sizzling aroma of Italian herbs and melted cheese wafts through your kitchen as this One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac comes together in a single pan. This crowd-pleasing fusion dish combines two beloved comfort foods—chicken parmesan and macaroni—into one irresistible meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. The tender chunks of chicken, al dente pasta, and rich tomato sauce create a harmonious blend of flavors that will transport you straight to an Italian-American kitchen. You’ll learn how to create this hearty, cheesy pasta dish with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor using just one pot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac transforms a classic Italian-American dish into a weeknight-friendly meal without sacrificing any of the traditional flavors. The beauty lies in its simplicity—everything cooks together, allowing the pasta to absorb the savory tomato sauce while the chicken stays tender and juicy. You’ll love the contrasting textures of the crispy parmesan topping against the creamy pasta underneath.

Time-pressed home cooks will appreciate that this dish dirties only one pot while delivering restaurant-quality results. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, releasing its starches to create a naturally thickened, silky consistency that clings to every bite. Unlike traditional chicken parmesan that requires breading, frying, and baking separate components, this streamlined version delivers all the same flavor notes with significantly less effort.

Parents especially value this chicken parmesan pasta for its kid-friendly appeal while still satisfying adult palates. The familiar mac and cheese format with the elevated flavors of chicken parmesan makes this a guaranteed family favorite that everyone will request again and again.

Ingredients

For this delicious One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac, you’ll need:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (fresh garlic provides the best flavor)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 8 oz elbow macaroni (about 2 cups)
• 2 cups marinara sauce (good quality store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

The chicken provides lean protein while the combination of parmesan and mozzarella creates that authentic chicken parmesan flavor. Using both marinara and chicken broth creates a rich, flavorful cooking liquid for the pasta to absorb as it cooks.

Pro Tips

Season in Layers: For the most flavorful One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac, season at each stage of cooking. Start by generously seasoning the chicken cubes with salt and pepper before browning. This builds a foundation of flavor that carries throughout the dish. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust seasonings before adding the cheese in the final stage.

Achieve the Perfect Pasta Texture: The key to perfectly cooked pasta in this one-pot method is to stir frequently and monitor the liquid absorption. Unlike traditional pasta cooking, you’ll need to check the pasta 2-3 minutes before the package-recommended cooking time. The pasta should be just slightly firmer than al dente when you add the cheese, as it will continue cooking from residual heat. If the pasta absorbs liquid too quickly, add an extra ¼ cup of broth or water to prevent sticking.

Create a Restaurant-Quality Finish: For that authentic chicken parmesan experience, create a crispy topping by sprinkling half the parmesan cheese on top and placing the uncovered pot under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbly. This extra step creates textural contrast between the crispy top and the creamy pasta beneath, elevating this simple one-pot meal to restaurant quality.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken cubes generously with salt and pepper, then add to the hot oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on the outside but not fully cooked through. The chicken will finish cooking with the pasta. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed, then add the diced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Liquids
Return the partially cooked chicken to the pot. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, marinara sauce, and chicken broth. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly combined and the pasta is submerged in liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Cover the pot and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the flavorful liquid as it cooks. Test a pasta piece at the 8-minute mark – it should be almost al dente but still have a slight firmness.

Step 5: Add the Cheese
Once the pasta is almost done and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stir in half of the parmesan cheese and all of the mozzarella. Mix gently until the cheese begins to melt and create a creamy sauce. If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash more broth or water.

Step 6: Finish and Serve
Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese on top. Cover and let rest for 2-3 minutes off the heat, allowing the cheese to fully melt and the sauce to thicken slightly. Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped basil. Your delicious One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac is ready to enjoy!

Variations

Vegetable-Packed Version: Transform your One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac into a more nutritious meal by adding vegetables. After browning the chicken, sauté 1 cup of diced bell peppers, 1 cup of sliced mushrooms, and 1 cup of baby spinach until tender. Continue with the recipe as directed. These additions boost the nutritional value while maintaining the comforting nature of the original chicken parmesan pasta.

Spicy Chicken Parmesan Mac: For heat lovers, create a spicier version by doubling the red pepper flakes and adding ½ cup of chopped hot cherry peppers or 2 tablespoons of calabrian chili paste to the sauce. Substitute pepper jack for half of the mozzarella cheese for an extra kick. This variation adds a wonderful heat that balances beautifully with the rich cheese and tomato flavors.

Gluten-Free Alternative: This comforting dish can easily be adapted for gluten-free diets by substituting regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Since gluten-free pasta often cooks differently, check it frequently and be prepared to adjust cooking time and liquid amounts. The result is a delicious gluten-free one pot chicken parmesan that everyone can enjoy.

Storage and Serving

This One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to restore moisture, then microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until heated through. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a little extra liquid.

For serving, pair this hearty dish with a crisp Caesar salad or simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. The fresh, peppery greens provide a perfect counterpoint to the rich, cheesy pasta. For a complete Italian-American experience, serve with garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.

Transform leftovers into a baked pasta dish by transferring to a casserole dish, adding extra cheese on top, and baking at 375°F for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden. This method refreshes the dish and creates new textural elements that make leftovers exciting.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken to make this dish faster?
Yes! You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken. Simply skip the chicken browning step and add the cooked, shredded chicken when you return to the pot in step 3. This will save about 5 minutes of cooking time.

What if I don’t have elbow macaroni?
Any short pasta works well in this One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac. Penne, rotini, or small shells are excellent alternatives. Adjust cooking time slightly based on the pasta shape – thicker pastas may need 1-2 minutes longer.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with 2 cups of chopped vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The cheese still provides plenty of protein and flavor.

My sauce seems too watery. How do I thicken it?
If your sauce is too thin after cooking, simmer uncovered for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. The starches from the pasta will continue to thicken the sauce. Alternatively, sprinkle in a little more grated parmesan, which acts as a natural thickener.

Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze this chicken parmesan pasta for up to 3 months. Portion into freezer-safe containers, cool completely, then freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating with a splash of liquid to restore creaminess.

Conclusion

This One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac is comfort food at its finest — a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that combines Italian-American flavors with the convenience of modern cooking. It’s the kind of dish that satisfies the whole family while keeping the cook happy with its simple preparation and minimal cleanup. Whether you’re craving the flavors of chicken parmesan but short on time, or simply looking for a new addition to your weeknight dinner rotation, this one-pot wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort. The marriage of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich tomato sauce topped with melty cheese creates a meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day.

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