Name: One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 boneless chicken breasts; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter; 2 cups elbow macaroni; 1 cup marinara sauce; 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred); 1 cup chicken broth; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Description

A comforting one-pot recipe combining tender seared chicken breasts with creamy, cheesy macaroni infused with marinara sauce and Italian herbs, perfect for a quick and satisfying family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 boneless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Pasta and Sauce

2 cups elbow macaroni
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
1 cup chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the pot and set aside to rest.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the minced garlic and stir for about one minute until fragrant, creating a flavorful base for the dish.
Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the marinara sauce, milk, and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Gradually add the elbow macaroni, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid.
Cook Pasta and Combine: Bring the mixture to a simmer, cooking uncovered for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking as the pasta softens and absorbs the liquids.
Incorporate Cheeses and Chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts and return the pieces to the pot. Add shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheeses, stirring gently until the cheese melts fully and combines into a creamy sauce.
Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the mac & cheese and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty, cheesy meal!

Notes

For a richer flavor, use whole milk instead of skim.
Make sure to stir frequently during cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot.
To add more veggies, consider mixing in spinach or mushrooms before adding the cheese.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor.