Sizzling Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe: Cheesy Family Favorite

Mixing creamy chicken mozzarella pasta creates a dreamy dinner that instantly sparks joy at your table.

Comfort arrives in a single skillet, blending rich flavors with minimal effort.

Weeknight meals demand simple solutions that pack maximum satisfaction.

Cheese melts into tender chicken, coating perfectly cooked noodles with luxurious smoothness.

Each bite promises a delightful balance between protein and carbohydrate goodness.

Quick preparation means you can spend less time cooking and more moments enjoying delicious company.

Savor this delectable dish that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: Cheesy and Delicious

• Whip Up a Crowd-Pleaser: This chicken mozzarella pasta delivers a restaurant-quality meal that impresses family and friends with minimal cooking skills required.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, swapping proteins, or adding extra vegetables to suit personal taste preferences.
• Create a Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a delicious, satisfying dinner in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques that minimize kitchen cleanup.
• Boost Flavor with Simple Ingredients: Transform basic pantry staples into a creamy, rich pasta dish packed with herbs, cheese, and savory chicken that elevates everyday cooking.

Ingredients for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds heartiness and flavor to the pasta dish.

• Pasta: The base of the recipe that provides a satisfying carbohydrate foundation.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy cheese that melts beautifully and adds a rich, smooth texture.

• Olive Oil: Cooking fat that helps sauté ingredients and adds a subtle flavor.
• Crushed Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Creates a robust and tangy base for the pasta sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and spiciness to the dish.
• Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: Provides a creamy and luxurious texture to the sauce.

• Fresh Basil, Parmesan Cheese, Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Additional toppings that boost flavor and visual appeal.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that provide depth and aromatic qualities to the sauce.

How to Cook Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions.

Once al dente, drain thoroughly and set aside in a warm spot.

Step 2: Brown Chicken Like a Pro

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through.

Step 3: Awaken Aromatic Flavors

Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the skillet.

Sauté until onions become translucent and garlic releases its mouth-watering fragrance.

Step 4: Create Robust Tomato Sauce

• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Red pepper flakes

Let the sauce simmer and develop deep flavors for 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Introduce Creamy Goodness

Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream, blending smoothly with the existing sauce.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Cheese Magic

Add cooked pasta to the skillet.

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and gently mix until cheese melts completely and coats every pasta strand.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Plate the pasta and top with fresh basil leaves.

Optional: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese or scatter sun-dried tomatoes for extra pizzazz.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

• Choose al dente pasta to maintain a firm texture that holds up well in the creamy sauce.
• Pat chicken dry before cubing to ensure a golden-brown crust and maximum flavor development.
• Add cream slowly and on low heat to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, silky sauce.
• Use freshly grated mozzarella for better melting and avoid pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents.
• Toast Italian seasoning in the pan briefly before adding chicken to intensify its aromatic qualities.

Variations for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

• Vegetarian Chicken Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, maintaining the same seasoning and cooking method for a meat-free version.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and substitute mozzarella with dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for a lactose-free option.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add kalamata olives, swap Italian seasoning for za'atar, and incorporate feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, keeping all other ingredients the same for a lighter, gluten-free meal option.

Serving Ideas for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

• Fresh Basil Burst: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil leaves generously over the pasta to add a vibrant, aromatic touch that brightens the entire dish with a classic Italian flavor profile.
• Cheesy Parmesan Topping: Grate some fresh Parmesan cheese on top just before serving to enhance the creamy texture and add a salty, nutty dimension to the chicken mozzarella pasta.
• Crusty Bread Companion: Serve alongside warm, toasted garlic bread or a crispy baguette slice to soak up the delicious tomato cream sauce and provide a delightful textural contrast.
• Side Salad Pairing: Create a light mixed green salad with a simple vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta and provide a fresh, crisp accompaniment to the main dish.

Storage Recommendations for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool pasta completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Revive pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir gently until heated through.
• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain best texture and flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine. Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust or omit them for a milder version. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, and add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini to increase nutritional value.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta options like brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta to create a gluten-free version of the dish.

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken mozzarella pasta brings Italian comfort to weeknight dinners with melted cheese and tender chicken. Homemade flavors combine easily for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

Carbohydrates:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, fusilli, or preferred shape)
• 1 medium onion, chopped

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1.5 cups (170 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream or half-and-half

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces/410 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) tomato sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta al dente according to package guidelines, then drain and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, approximately 350°F.
3. Add seasoned chicken cubes, coating with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs until golden brown and thoroughly cooked.
4. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and aromatic, roughly 2-3 minutes.
5. Pour crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce into the skillet, sprinkling red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Allow mixture to simmer and develop flavors for 5-7 minutes.
6. Reduce heat to low and gently blend heavy cream, creating a rich, smooth sauce.
7. Introduce cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with sauce.
8. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese throughout the dish, stirring until cheese melts and creates a creamy texture.
9. Transfer to serving plates, garnishing with fresh basil leaves, optional Parmesan shavings, and sun-dried tomatoes for enhanced flavor profile.

Notes

• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and tender meat.
• Toast Italian seasoning briefly in the pan before adding chicken to release deeper, more aromatic flavors.
• Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture, cutting it into small chunks for better melting distribution.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or substituting with mild paprika for less spice.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 510 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg