Ingredients
Method
Cooking the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken breast and season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Remove from pot and set aside.
Cooking the Pasta
- In the same pot, pour in marinara sauce, chicken broth, and heavy cream.
- Stir thoroughly while scraping any browned bits from the base to enhance flavor.
- Add elbow macaroni and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened.
Combining Ingredients
- Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Return cooked chicken and add Italian seasoning.
- Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Serving
- Remove the pot from heat and allow the mac and cheese to rest for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken.
- Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers while cooking the chicken. Adjust the seasoning to your taste; if you like it a little spicier, you can add some red pepper flakes.
