Description
Creamy one-pot chicken parmesan mac & cheese blends Italian comfort food with American pasta magic. Cheesy pasta, crispy chicken, and marinara sauce create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
Pasta:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) elbow macaroni
Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sear chicken pieces in hot olive oil until golden and fully cooked, creating a rich caramelized exterior.
- Pour marinara sauce, chicken broth, and heavy cream into the pot, whisking to create a smooth, unified liquid base.
- Introduce macaroni to the liquid mixture, allowing it to simmer gently for 8-10 minutes until pasta reaches al dente texture and sauce thickens naturally.
- Incorporate mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses along with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring continuously until cheese melts completely and sauce transforms into a luxurious, velvety consistency.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken before serving.
Notes
- Swap chicken for plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas to create a vegetarian version that maintains the rich, comforting flavors of the dish.
- Control spiciness by adjusting the amount of garlic powder and Italian seasoning, letting home cooks customize the heat level to their preference.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth and marinara sauce to manage salt content, especially important for those watching their sodium intake.
- Choose whole wheat macaroni for added fiber and nutritional boost, transforming this indulgent recipe into a slightly healthier meal option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg