One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food mash-up—bringing together crispy, cheesy chicken parmesan and creamy, indulgent macaroni and cheese in one easy skillet meal. It’s hearty, flavorful, and made with simple ingredients that come together in just one pot for less mess and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines two beloved classics into one dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. It’s creamy, cheesy, savory, and satisfying with juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a bold tomato punch. Even better—it all cooks in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Garlic
Marinara sauce
Chicken broth
Elbow macaroni or short pasta
Heavy cream or milk
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning
Fresh basil or parsley (optional for garnish)
Panko breadcrumbs (for optional topping)

directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear until golden and cooked through. Remove and dice or shred.
In the same pot, add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Pour in marinara sauce, chicken broth, and uncooked pasta. Stir and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes or until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the cooked chicken, heavy cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until creamy and well combined.
Optional: Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs and extra mozzarella on top. Broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
Add spinach or chopped zucchini for extra veggies.
Use a blend of cheeses like provolone, fontina, or gouda for added depth.
Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.
Swap in gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-friendly.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pot on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. If topping with breadcrumbs, reheat in the oven to keep the topping crisp.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works great—just stir it in at the end.

What kind of pasta works best?

Elbow macaroni is classic, but shells, penne, or rotini all work well to catch the sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep and cook it ahead, then reheat before serving. Add a bit of cream or broth when reheating to keep it creamy.

Is it really all made in one pot?

Yes! The pasta cooks in the sauce with the broth, making it a true one-pot wonder with minimal cleanup.

How do I get a crispy topping?

After adding cheese and breadcrumbs, place the pot under the broiler for a few minutes until bubbly and golden.

Can I freeze this dish?

It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it. Note that the cream sauce may change texture slightly upon reheating.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, eggplant, or other hearty vegetables.

What kind of marinara sauce should I use?

Use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade version. A robust, garlicky sauce works especially well.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk can be used for a lighter version, though it may be slightly less rich.

Can I add more cheese?

Of course! Feel free to add extra cheese for a more indulgent, gooey texture.

Conclusion

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is the best of both worlds—a cheesy, saucy, satisfying dish that’s easy to make and even easier to love. With its crispy chicken, creamy pasta, and bold flavor, this meal is sure to become a new family favorite. One pot, endless comfort.