Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe

The Creamiest Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe You’ll Ever Love

Comfort meets creativity in this delightful chicken mozzarella pasta that promises a culinary adventure.

Melted cheese cascades over tender pasta strands, creating a symphony of flavors.

Weeknight dinners just got way more exciting with this simple yet impressive dish.

Juicy chicken pieces nestle between perfectly cooked noodles, waiting to surprise you.

Creamy mozzarella adds a luxurious touch that makes every bite memorable.

Subtle herbs and a golden-brown crust elevate this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

Buckle up for a meal that will become an instant favorite at your table.

Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta To Delight Your Taste Buds

  • Savor Speedy Satisfaction: This chicken mozzarella pasta delivers a delicious meal in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes and time is short.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with golden chicken, melty mozzarella, and rich marinara sauce, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it a guaranteed family favorite that brings everyone to the table.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: With just a handful of common pantry staples, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal without complicated shopping or complex cooking techniques, ensuring stress-free meal preparation.
  • Customize with Ease: The recipe welcomes personal touches like adding extra herbs, swapping marinara for cream sauce, or tossing in additional vegetables, making it a versatile base for culinary creativity.

Ingredients Required For Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Main Proteins:
  • Chicken: Lean protein that provides a hearty and savory base for the pasta dish.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy cheese that melts beautifully and adds rich, smooth texture to the pasta.
Pasta and Sauce:
  • Pasta: Serves as the foundational carbohydrate of the dish.
  • Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian tomato sauce that brings tangy and vibrant flavor to the recipe.
Seasonings and Aromatics:
  • Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Spice blend that enhances the overall taste of the chicken and dish.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and robust flavor to the sauce.
  • Olive Oil: Cooking fat that helps sauté chicken and creates a smooth cooking base.
  • Fresh Basil: Optional garnish that provides a fresh, herbal note to the finished dish.

Cooking Instructions For Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfection

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water following the package guidelines. Drain thoroughly and set aside, keeping the pasta warm.

Step 2: Sizzle The Chicken

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and sprinkle with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Italian seasoning

Cook the chicken until it turns a beautiful golden brown and is completely cooked through.

Step 3: Infuse Aromatic Flavors

Toss minced garlic into the skillet and sauté until the kitchen fills with a mouthwatering fragrance. Pour marinara sauce over the chicken and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Combine And Melt

Introduce the cooked pasta into the skillet with the saucy chicken. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top and gently stir, letting the cheese melt into creamy ribbons throughout the dish.

Step 5: Plate And Garnish

Transfer the steaming chicken mozzarella pasta to serving plates. For an extra touch of freshness, scatter torn fresh basil leaves on top before serving.

Helpful Hints For Perfect Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

  • Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most tender and lean protein in this dish.
  • Select a high-quality marinara sauce or make your own for richer, more authentic flavor.
  • Opt for fresh mozzarella cheese instead of pre-shredded for a creamier, more luxurious texture.
  • Experiment with adding red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat that complements the cheesy pasta.
  • Let the pasta rest for a few minutes after adding cheese to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Flavorful Spins On Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using same seasoning and cooking method for a meat-free version.
  • Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash, maintaining the rich sauce and cheese profile while reducing carbohydrate intake.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, swap marinara with arrabbiata sauce, and incorporate kalamata olives for a bolder, zestier flavor experience.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice, ensuring all other ingredients remain the same to keep the original recipe's essence.

Serving Chicken Mozzarella Pasta With Style

  • Rustic Family Feast: Gather everyone around the table and serve this hearty pasta as a comforting family-style meal, letting people serve themselves directly from the skillet with crusty bread on the side.
  • Quick Lunch Delight: Pack this pasta in portable containers for an easy work or school lunch that stays delicious when reheated, perfect for meal prep enthusiasts seeking a satisfying midday meal.
  • Elegant Dinner Date: Elevate the dish by plating on white dishes, adding a sprinkle of extra fresh basil, and pairing with a crisp white wine to transform this simple recipe into a restaurant-worthy experience.
  • Vegetable Boost Option: Enhance nutrition by stirring in roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach before adding cheese, creating a more balanced and colorful one-pan meal.

How To Keep Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Fresh

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Store chicken mozzarella pasta in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, keeping the container sealed to preserve moisture and flavor.
  • Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags for up to 2 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
  • Reheat refrigerated pasta in the microwave by adding a splash of water, covering with a damp paper towel, and heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with alternatives like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine. Just ensure the pasta shape can hold the sauce well.

  • Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, chickpeas, or mushrooms to create a vegetarian version of the pasta.

  • How can I make the dish more spicy?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the marinara sauce to increase the heat level according to your preference.

  • Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and sauce in advance, store them separately in the refrigerator, and combine with pasta and cheese when ready to serve for a quick meal.

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Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe

Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe


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4.6 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Indulgent chicken mozzarella pasta brings Italian comfort to weeknight dinners with creamy sauce and melted cheese. Rich flavors and simple ingredients combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) chicken breast, diced
  • 8 ounces (8 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded

Carbohydrates:

  • 2 cups pasta (penne or your choice)
  • 1 cup marinara sauce

Seasonings and Extras:

  • 2 tablespoons (2 tbsp) olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) Italian seasoning
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare pasta in boiling water according to package directions until al dente, then drain and reserve.
  2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, approximately 375°F.
  3. Add seasoned chicken pieces, coating with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs, and cook until exterior turns crisp and golden, roughly 6-7 minutes.
  4. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing until aromatic and releasing its intense flavor, about 30-45 seconds.
  5. Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, allowing ingredients to merge and simmer for 4-5 minutes, creating a rich, harmonious blend.
  6. Gently fold cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring complete coating and integration of flavors.
  7. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese throughout the mixture, stirring intermittently to promote even melting and create a creamy, luxurious texture.
  8. Once cheese has completely melted and sauce appears glossy and smooth, remove from heat.
  9. Transfer to serving dishes, optionally garnishing with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic, vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and tender meat.
  • Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier, more luxurious texture that melts beautifully into the sauce.
  • Customize the dish by adding roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
  • For a lighter version, substitute whole wheat pasta and use low-fat mozzarella to reduce calories without compromising taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 515 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 42 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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