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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 hearty, comforting dish that combines creamy, cheesy pasta with tender chicken infused with classic Italian flavors. This all-in-one pot meal offers rich Parmesan and mozzarella layers melted into perfectly cooked macaroni and savory chicken breast, making it ideal for quick, family-friendly dinners with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into bite-sized pieces

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

Cheese

  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Dairy

  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream or milk

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce

Oils & Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant to boost the sauce’s flavor base.
  3. Combine Pasta and Liquids: Add the elbow macaroni, canned crushed tomatoes, and heavy cream or milk to the pot. Stir well to combine and submerge the pasta in the liquid. Bring it to a gentle boil.
  4. Simmer and Stir: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the pasta cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Add Cheese and Chicken: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and mix gently until evenly distributed.
  6. Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately for a creamy, indulgent experience.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella for better melting and richer flavor.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; keep it al dente to avoid mushiness.
  • Let the dish rest off heat for a few minutes to thicken the sauce and enhance flavors.
  • Brown the chicken thoroughly to add texture and deepen flavor.
  • When adding cheese, stir gently to keep the sauce smooth and avoid breaking down the pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Mac and Cheese, One-Pot Meal, Comfort Food, Italian, Easy Dinner, Family Friendly

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