There’s something incredibly comforting about one pot meals, isn’t there? They just have a way of bringing everyone together, and my one pot chicken parmesan mac cheese is no exception! Imagine creamy, cheesy goodness combined with tender chicken and perfectly cooked macaroni all in one dish—pure bliss! I remember the first time I made this for my family on a busy weeknight. The aroma filled the kitchen, and as we gathered around the table, I could see everyone’s faces light up with anticipation. It quickly became a favorite at our family gatherings, and now, it’s my go-to when I want to whip up something delicious without a ton of cleanup. Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll be hooked too!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making my one pot chicken parmesan mac cheese so creamy and delicious! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound of chicken fillet, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 4 cups chicken broth, low sodium is best for flavor
- 1 cup heavy cream, for that luscious creaminess
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, freshly grated if possible for extra flavor
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, to bring a savory depth
- 1 teaspoon onion powder, for a touch of sweetness
- Salt to taste, don’t be shy!
- Pepper to taste, for that little kick
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for a pop of color and freshness
Make sure to have everything prepped and measured out before you start cooking! It’ll make the whole process smoother and more enjoyable.
How to Prepare One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac Cheese
Now, let’s dive into the magic of making my one pot chicken parmesan mac cheese! It’s super simple and comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy nights. Here’s how you do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, heat a large pot over medium heat. You want it nice and hot to get that chicken browned beautifully. Add your diced chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s no longer pink on the outside.
- Next, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This is where the flavor starts to shine! Stir everything together and let it cook for another minute to let those spices bloom.
- Now, it’s time for the elbow macaroni! Add it to the pot along with the chicken broth. Bring it all to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once your pasta is just right, pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy and dreamy. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for!
- Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for that extra touch of freshness and color. Now, serve it up and watch everyone dig in!
Oh, and a quick tip: make sure not to overcook the chicken at the beginning, or it might turn out a bit dry. You want it tender and juicy to complement that creamy sauce!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
My one pot chicken parmesan mac cheese is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl! Here are a few reasons why you’ll absolutely adore this dish:
- It’s incredibly easy to make—everything cooks in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze!
- The creamy, cheesy flavors blend perfectly with the tender chicken and pasta, making every bite a delight.
- This dish is a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or when you have friends over.
- It’s ready in just 30 minutes, so you can whip it up even on the busiest nights.
- Customizable! You can easily add your favorite veggies or even switch out the cheese for a fun twist.
Trust me, once you try this comforting masterpiece, it’ll become a staple in your weekly rotation!
Tips for Success
To make my one pot chicken parmesan mac cheese absolutely perfect, here are some handy tips you’ll want to keep in mind:
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a bit of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking. It’ll really elevate the dish!
- If you’re looking for a lighter meal, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even milk, but keep an eye on the creaminess!
- Feel free to throw in some fresh or frozen veggies like spinach, peas, or broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.
- Don’t forget to adjust the cooking time if you decide to use whole wheat macaroni; it might take a minute or two longer to become tender.
- Lastly, if you want more of a baked texture, once everything is combined and creamy, transfer it to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra parmesan, and pop it under the broiler for a couple of minutes!
With these tips, you’ll be whipping up a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to my one pot chicken parmesan mac cheese, you’ll want to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
Keep in mind that these values may vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
FAQ Section
I’ve got some common questions about my one pot chicken parmesan mac cheese that I’m excited to answer! Here we go:
Can I use other types of pasta? Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, feel free to swap it out for penne, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it can vary!
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it up.
Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes! You can easily omit the chicken and add more veggies or even some plant-based protein like chickpeas to keep it hearty and delicious.
What can I serve with this dish? This one pot chicken parmesan mac cheese is fantastic on its own, but you could pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!
Can I freeze this dish? I wouldn’t recommend freezing it as the cream and cheese can change texture upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are perfect for quick meals later on!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from my one pot chicken parmesan mac cheese is super easy! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to help restore that creamy texture while stirring gently until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but be sure to cover it and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid uneven heating. Enjoy the deliciousness again!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving my one pot chicken parmesan mac cheese, you can’t go wrong with a few simple sides that complement its creamy richness! I love pairing it with a fresh, crisp green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette to balance the flavors. Garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls are also fantastic for soaking up that cheesy goodness. For a bit of extra color and nutrition, consider adding some roasted vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli, on the side. These additions make for a well-rounded meal that everyone will enjoy!
Print
One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac Cheese that Comforts You
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy and cheesy one pot dish combining chicken, parmesan, and macaroni.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken fillet, diced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add macaroni and chicken broth, bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until pasta is tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese.
- Mix until cheese is melted and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cream.
- Add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for more nutrition.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: one pot chicken parmesan mac cheese
