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