Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe

The Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe is a delightful, flavorful dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with creamy, melty mozzarella cheese, all wrapped up in a rich, savory tomato sauce. This comforting meal is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping for the week ahead.

With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow cooking process, you can create a dish that feels like it came straight from your favorite Italian restaurant, all in the comfort of your own home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Flavorful: The combination of mozzarella, chicken, and a savory tomato sauce creates a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for cheese lovers.
2. Quick and Easy: It’s a one-pan dish that’s ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
3. Customizable: Add vegetables, switch up the cheese, or adjust the seasoning to make it your own.
4. Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the creamy, cheesy goodness of this meal.

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Season the chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat the Pan:
   • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   • Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for 6–8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
   • Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

1. Boil Water:
   • While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a tablespoon of salt to the water.
2. Cook the Pasta:
   • Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, usually 8–10 minutes for al dente pasta.
   • Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic:
   • In the same skillet you used for the chicken, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium heat.
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, or until fragrant.
2. Add Tomatoes:
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5–7 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
3. Season the Sauce:
   • Add the dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add Cream and Broth:
   • Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for an additional 5–10 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Combine the Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce

1. Add Pasta to the Sauce:
   • Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, add the cooked pasta into the skillet. Toss the pasta in the sauce until it’s fully coated.
2. Add the Chicken:
   • Stir in the sliced chicken pieces, combining everything evenly in the skillet.
3. Melt the Mozzarella:
   • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top of the pasta and chicken. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve the Pasta:
   • Once the cheese has melted, remove the skillet from the heat. Plate the chicken mozzarella pasta and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Garnish:
   • Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, for a burst of color and added flavor.
3. Enjoy:
   • Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Tips for Success

• Chicken Alternatives: If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful option. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.
• Make it Lighter: To reduce the calories, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. If you prefer a dairy-free option, use coconut milk or a non-dairy cream substitute.
• Add Vegetables: Add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for an extra dose of vegetables. Simply sauté them in the same pan as the garlic before adding the tomatoes.
• Make it Spicy: If you like heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a bit of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Use Fresh Mozzarella: For the best cheese pull and flavor, use fresh mozzarella instead of pre-shredded mozzarella.
• Pasta Variations: While penne works well, you can use other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or spaghetti for variety.

Variations

1. Chicken Parmesan Style: For a twist on the classic chicken Parmesan, bread and pan-fry the chicken breasts before adding them to the pasta. This will give you that crispy, golden-brown crust in addition to the creamy mozzarella.
2. Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken entirely and add vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or roasted tomatoes for a hearty vegetarian version.
3. Baked Version: Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish, top with extra mozzarella and Parmesan, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
4. Pesto Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: Add a spoonful of pesto sauce to the tomato sauce for a fresh, herbaceous flavor boost.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! You can substitute mozzarella with provolone, gouda, or even cheddar. Just be mindful that different cheeses melt differently, so the texture of the dish may vary.

2. How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that your chicken broth and other ingredients are gluten-free. Many grocery stores offer gluten-free pasta options that cook just as well as regular pasta.

3. Can I add a tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?
Yes, you can use regular tomato sauce, but crushed tomatoes will give the sauce more texture. If using tomato sauce, consider adding a little tomato paste to thicken it.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce in advance, and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat and add the cooked chicken, mozzarella, and pasta.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

The Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal. It’s the kind of dish that pleases everyone at the table, from kids to adults. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this recipe is straightforward yet packed with flavor. Plus, it’s versatile enough to make it your own with different cheeses, seasonings, and vegetables. So grab your apron, fire up the stove, and get ready to create a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Yield: 4

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe

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The Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe is a delightful, flavorful dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with creamy, melty mozzarella cheese, all wrapped up in a rich, savory tomato sauce. This comforting meal is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping for the week ahead. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow cooking process, you can create a dish that feels like it came straight from your favorite Italian restaurant, all in the comfort of your own home.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried basil
• For the Pasta:
• 8 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
• 4 cups water
• 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)
• For the Sauce:
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella, shredded
• ½ tsp dried basil (or Italian seasoning)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For Garnish:
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
   
2. Cook the Chicken:
   While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried basil.
   Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
   Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
   
3. Make the Sauce:
   In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
   Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
   Pour in the heavy cream and marinara sauce, stirring to combine.
   Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella, and dried basil.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
   
4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
   Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce.
   If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
   
5. Serve:
   Divide the pasta among serving plates.
   Top with the sliced chicken and garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.

Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you prefer some heat.