Go Back
–+ servings

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

Rose
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese combines tender seasoned chicken, rich marinara sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and melty mozzarella in a single pot. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a comforting, family-friendly dinner packed with Italian-inspired flavor and creamy texture.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • large deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • wooden spoon or spatula
  • knife
  • cutting board
  • measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 2–3 cups water
  • 12 ounces short-cut pasta (rigatoni, penne, or elbow macaroni)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same pot, cook the diced onion for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Pour in the marinara sauce and add 2–3 cups of water. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Return the chicken to the pot and stir in the dry pasta. Cover and simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
  • Stir in parmesan and half of the mozzarella until melted. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top, cover, and let melt until gooey.
  • Remove from heat, garnish with parsley or basil, and let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use part-skim mozzarella for a lighter version or substitute chicken thighs for extra juiciness. Add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms during simmering for extra nutrition. If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of warm water or broth. Let the dish rest 5 minutes before serving for best texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 750mgPotassium: 620mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2.5mg
Keyword chicken parmesan mac and cheese, creamy chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner, one-pot pasta
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!