Description
Creamy chicken mozzarella pasta delivers Italian-inspired comfort with tender chicken and melted cheese. Rich flavors and easy preparation make this dish perfect for weeknight dinners you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh basil
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta according to package guidelines, ensuring al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling surface for the chicken.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, then carefully place in the hot skillet. Cook until golden brown and completely cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes per side.
- Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for 30-45 seconds without burning.
- Gently fold in diced tomatoes, reducing heat to medium-low. Let the mixture simmer and meld flavors for 4-5 minutes, creating a rich sauce base.
- Stream heavy cream into the skillet, stirring continuously. Allow the sauce to bubble gently and thicken for 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate the cooked pasta directly into the sauce, tossing to ensure even coating and temperature.
- Sprinkle mozzarella throughout the skillet, gently stirring until the cheese melts completely and creates a creamy, luxurious texture.
- Transfer to serving plates immediately, garnishing with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic finish.
Notes
- Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure quick and even cooking without excess fat.
- Choose fresh mozzarella for a creamier, more luxurious texture that melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Adjust cream quantity for lighter versions by substituting half with chicken broth or Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
- Toast garlic briefly to prevent burning and release its rich, nutty flavor without bitter undertones.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg