Description
Comfort meets culinary innovation in this one-pot chicken parmesan mac & cheese, blending Italian-American classic flavors into a single skillet masterpiece. Creamy pasta, crispy chicken, and melted cheese create a harmonious dish that satisfies deep cravings while simplifying weeknight dinner preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 454 grams)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Pasta and Liquid Base:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Transform chicken into succulent morsels by cutting into uniform bite-sized pieces, then infuse with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
- Activate a large pot over medium heat, drizzle with olive oil, and introduce seasoned chicken, allowing it to caramelize and develop a golden exterior approximately 5 minutes.
- Cascade elbow macaroni into the pot alongside chicken broth, initiating a gentle simmer while stirring consistently to prevent pasta from sticking.
- Monitor pasta absorption, continuing to stir until liquid reduces and pasta becomes tender, roughly 8 minutes.
- Introduce luxurious heavy cream and create a silky foundation, then gradually incorporate mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, stirring until achieving a smooth, integrated consistency.
- Elevate the dish’s aromatic complexity by sprinkling garlic powder and delicate fresh basil, then refine seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the creamy, indulgent mac and cheese directly to serving plates, optional: crown with an extra dusting of parmesan for visual and flavor enhancement.
Notes
- Chicken selection matters hugely, so opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs to ensure tender, easy-to-cook protein that blends smoothly with creamy mac and cheese.
- Control moisture carefully during cooking by stirring frequently and monitoring liquid absorption, preventing pasta from becoming mushy or sticking to the pot’s bottom.
- Consider dairy alternatives like lactose-free cheese or plant-based cream for those with dietary restrictions, which can maintain similar richness and texture without compromising flavor.
- Customize heat levels by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne for spice lovers, creating a personalized version that suits individual taste preferences without altering core recipe structure.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg