Cheesy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Rotini Mac & Cheese is a comforting and delicious twist on classic mac and cheese. With tender chicken pieces, al dente rotini pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Best of all, it’s made in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Get ready to indulge in a cheesy, savory delight that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (450 g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder (15 g)
- 1 tablespoon onion powder (15 g)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (5 g)
- 1 teaspoon salt (5 g)
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper (1 g)
- 2 cups rotini pasta (200 g)
- 4 cups chicken broth (960 ml)
- 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese (150 g)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (200 g)
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese (100 g)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (240 ml)
Directions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot, seasoning them with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same pot, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.
- Add the rotini pasta to the pot and cook according to the package directions until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and add the grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, and provolone cheese.
- Stir continuously until all the cheese has melted smoothly into the sauce.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the pot along with the marinara sauce.
- Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Nutrition Info: Approximately 550 calories per serving.
How to serve
Serve Cheesy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Rotini Mac & Cheese hot, garnished with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal. Enjoy it in bowls or on plates, ensuring everyone gets a generous helping of that rich, cheesy goodness!
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works great, you can use any pasta shape you have on hand, such as penne or fusilli.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative if you’re looking for a lighter option or need to avoid dairy.