One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese combines the best of two comfort food favorites in an easy, fuss-free dish. Juicy chicken, tender macaroni, rich marinara, and gooey mozzarella come together in a creamy, cheesy sauce—all in one pot for a quick and delicious meal.
- 2 chicken breasts
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same pot, stir in marinara sauce, chicken broth, and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.
Cook the pasta: Add elbow macaroni and bring to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
Add cheese and chicken: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Return the chicken to the pot and mix until the cheese melts and the sauce turns creamy.
Serve and enjoy: Let it rest for 2-3 minutes to thicken. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs, then serve warm.