Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

If you’re looking for a cozy dinner that brings everyone to the table, then you’ll love this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe! It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. The combination of tender chicken, gooey mozzarella, and creamy tomato sauce over perfectly cooked pasta makes this meal irresistible. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you have friends over.

This recipe is not only quick but also versatile enough to serve on special occasions. Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual dinner with friends, Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients and let’s dive into this delightful dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This meal comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Family Favorite: With its cheesy goodness and comforting flavors, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes mean more time enjoying your meal with loved ones.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand.
• Deliciously Satisfying: The rich tomato-cream sauce paired with melted mozzarella creates a dish that’s simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is that it uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish:

For the Pasta

• 8 oz. pasta (such as penne, fusilli, or your choice)

For the Chicken and Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

For the Cheesy Goodness

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Garnish

• Fresh basil leaves, chopped

Variations

One of the great things about this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what’s in your pantry.

• Swap the protein: Use shrimp or turkey instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
• Add veggies: Toss in some spinach or bell peppers for an extra dose of nutrition and color.
• Make it lighter: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative if you’re looking for a lighter version.
• Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or even some diced jalapeños if you like a bit of heat!

How to Make Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water. This ensures that your pasta is flavorful from the start. Once it’s al dente, drain it and set aside—this will be the base of our delicious dish!

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper before adding them to the skillet. Cooking until golden brown and fully cooked through (about 5-7 minutes) gives your chicken flavor and texture. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices

In that same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant—this should take about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic because burnt garlic can turn bitter quickly! Then stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Now it’s time for some magic! Add diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, and heavy cream into the skillet. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. This step allows all those wonderful flavors to combine beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Once simmering, add back in the cooked pasta and chicken. Toss everything gently so that every piece is coated with that luscious sauce—this is where all those flavors really come together!

Step 6: Melt in Cheese

Finally, stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until they melt into creamy goodness. Cook everything for just a few more minutes until heated through—trust me; you’ll want to linger over this step!

Step 7: Serve with Love

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. This final touch adds brightness and freshness to each delicious bite. Enjoy your Chicken Mozzarella Pasta with your favorite side salad or some crusty bread!

With just these simple steps, you’ve created an incredible meal that’s sure to become one of your favorites too!

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Cooking can be a breeze with just a few handy tips up your sleeve! Here are some suggestions to elevate your Chicken Mozzarella Pasta experience.

• Prep ingredients beforehand: Having everything prepped and ready to go makes cooking smoother and faster. Chopping your chicken, garlic, and measuring out other ingredients ahead of time will help you stay organized and reduce cooking time.

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil not only adds vibrant color but also enhances the flavor of the dish. It brings a burst of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.

• Adjust spice levels: If you prefer a milder dish, feel free to skip the red pepper flakes. Conversely, if you love some heat, add more to suit your taste. Customizing spice levels ensures everyone at the table enjoys their meal!

• Opt for whole grain pasta: For an added health boost, consider using whole grain or legume-based pasta. This choice provides extra fiber and nutrients while still being delicious.

• Don’t rush the cheese melting: When adding mozzarella and Parmesan, allow them to melt fully into the sauce before serving. This creates that ooey-gooey texture that makes this dish so comforting!

How to Serve Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Presenting your Chicken Mozzarella Pasta can make all the difference in how it’s enjoyed by family and friends! Here are some delightful ways to serve it.

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves: A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil not only brightens up the dish visually but also adds aromatic flavor.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: A light dusting of extra Parmesan on top brings a savory touch that complements the creamy texture.
• Cracked black pepper: A few twists of cracked black pepper enhance the dish with a bit of warmth without overpowering its flavors.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate. The crunchy exterior paired with soft insides creates a delightful contrast.
• Simple green salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes dressed lightly with olive oil and lemon juice provides a crisp balance to the creamy pasta.
• Steamed broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color as well as fiber and nutrients. Its slight crunch offers a pleasing contrast to the creamy dish.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus add depth of flavor while complementing the main dish beautifully.

Enjoy creating this delightful Chicken Mozzarella Pasta meal! It’s sure to become a favorite in your household!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade dish throughout the week. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat it effectively.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pasta to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best taste and quality.

Freezing

• Let the pasta cool entirely before freezing.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out.
• Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

I know you might have some questions about this delightful dish! Here are some common queries answered:

Can I make Chicken Mozzarella Pasta without heavy cream?

Absolutely! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.

What type of pasta works best for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta?

Any pasta that holds sauce well is great! Penne, fusilli, or even bowtie pasta are excellent choices that will complement the creamy sauce beautifully.

How can I add more vegetables to my Chicken Mozzarella Pasta?

Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini during the cooking process for added nutrition and flavor!

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, using pre-cooked chicken is a fantastic time-saver! Just add it when incorporating the diced tomatoes and broth to warm it through.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is truly a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, gooey cheese, and hearty pasta all enveloped in a rich sauce. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights yet delicious enough to impress guests. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do! Don’t hesitate to invite friends over for dinner—this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!