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One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese
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One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese is a comforting, Italian-inspired dish that combines tender chicken, creamy macaroni, and savory tomato sauce all cooked in a single skillet. This quick and easy recipe delivers rich, cheesy flavors with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta & Sauce

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni pasta
  • 1 1/2 cups marinara tomato sauce
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk

Cheeses

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Seasonings & Aromatics

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Oils & Fats

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook until golden brown and no longer pink inside, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  2. Build the Base: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in marinara tomato sauce, chicken broth, and milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  3. Add Pasta and Cook: Add the macaroni directly into the sauce mixture, stirring to prevent sticking. Cover and let the pasta cook in the sauce, stirring occasionally, until tender and most liquid has thickened, about 10-12 minutes.
  4. Finish with Cheese and Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken into bite-size pieces and stir back into the skillet. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese over the pasta and chicken. Stir gently until cheeses melt and create a creamy sauce.
  5. Serve Warm: Once everything is well combined and bubbly, take the skillet off the heat. Let the dish rest for a couple of minutes before serving to thicken perfectly and let flavors meld beautifully.

Notes

  • Use fresh, freshly shredded cheese for optimal melt and creaminess.
  • Aim to cook pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
  • Brown chicken well and use good-quality tomato sauce to deepen flavor.
  • Stir frequently during pasta cooking to avoid sticking and ensure even heat distribution.
  • Let the dish rest off heat before serving to thicken sauce and improve flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken parmesan, mac and cheese, one-pot meal, Italian comfort food, easy dinner, creamy pasta, family-friendly

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/one-pot-chicken-parmesan-mac-cheese/