Description
Ultimate Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese
This rich one-pot meal brings together tender chicken, creamy cheese, and savory pasta. It’s perfect for a family dinner or any comfort food craving!
Ingredients:
Chicken breasts, elbow macaroni
Marinara sauce, chicken broth, heavy cream
Mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder
Instructions:
Brown chicken and add sauces.
Stir in pasta and simmer.
Add cheese and seasonings, stirring until smooth and creamy.
#UltimateComfortFood
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep Ingredients: Cube 2 chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Grate 1 cup of mozzarella and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Measure 2 cups of dry elbow macaroni, 1 cup marinara sauce, 1 cup chicken broth, and 1/2 cup heavy cream.
2. Brown the Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. Build the Sauce: In the same pot, add the marinara sauce, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in 1 tsp garlic powder and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook the Pasta: Add the dry elbow macaroni to the simmering sauce. Stir well, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
5. Finish with Cheese: Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Turn off the heat. Gradually stir in the grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is luxuriously creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this rich dish hot, directly from the pot. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for scooping up every last bit of cheesy sauce. For a fresh element, top individual bowls with chopped fresh basil or parsley.
How-to Summary
This one-pot wonder is made by browning cubed chicken, then simmering dry pasta directly in a mixture of marinara, broth, and cream. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses off the heat for an ultra-creamy, comforting fusion of chicken parmesan and mac & cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape? Yes, but choose small shapes with similar cook times, like shells, cavatappi, or penne. Adjust liquid slightly if needed.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? It’s best served fresh, as the pasta continues to absorb liquid. For prep, you can brown the chicken and measure ingredients ahead.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream? Half-and-half or whole milk can be used, but the sauce will be less rich and thick. Avoid skim milk.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken? Absolutely. Add 2-3 cups of shredded cooked chicken with the cheese at the end, just to heat through.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Simmer gently and check a minute early to avoid mushy pasta.
- Adding Cheese on High Heat: Always remove the pot from heat before adding cheese to prevent a grainy, separated sauce.
- Not Scraping the Browned Bits: Deglazing the pot after browning the chicken adds foundational flavor to the sauce.
- Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: These contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce less smooth. Always grate your own cheese.
Conclusion
This Ultimate Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese successfully merges two classic comfort foods into a single, decadent one-pot meal. It’s surprisingly straightforward to make, minimizes cleanup, and delivers maximum flavor with its creamy, cheesy, and savory profile. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that the whole family will love, this dish is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.
