Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe: Heartwarming Comfort

Creamy chicken mozzarella pasta brings a delightful twist to weeknight dinners that spark instant comfort.

Melted cheese cascades over tender chicken pieces, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Weeknight cooking becomes a joyful adventure with this simple yet luxurious dish.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together, promising a meal that feels both sophisticated and approachable.

Generous portions ensure everyone leaves the table satisfied and smiling.

Each forkful carries a promise of culinary happiness that connects us through shared meals.

Cheese, Chicken, and Pasta That Just Works

• Whip Up Easily: Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, this recipe requires minimal cooking techniques and basic ingredients anyone can handle.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with cheesy goodness and tender chicken, this pasta guarantees smiles around the dinner table for families and friends.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal prep and cooking steps make this dish a lifesaver for busy people needing a delicious meal without complex preparation.
• Customize with Confidence: Flexible recipe allows swapping ingredients or adding extra veggies, making it adaptable to different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Ingredient Breakdown

• Chicken: Tender protein base for the pasta dish.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy and melty topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and rich cheese for extra flavor.

• Penne Pasta: Classic pasta shape for holding sauce.

• Crushed Tomatoes, Chicken Broth: Rich sauce base.
• Garlic, Onions: Aromatic flavor enhancers.
• Basil, Oregano: Herbal seasonings for depth.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Basic cooking and seasoning elements.

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Preparation Steps

Step 1: Spice Up the Chicken

Grab your chicken and generously coat it with salt and black pepper. Make sure every inch gets some flavor love.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium flame. Cook the chicken until it develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate.

Step 3: Awaken the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed. Toss in minced garlic and diced onions, stirring until they become soft and translucent, releasing their magical fragrance.

Step 4: Create the Sauce Base

• Dried basil
• Dried oregano

Add crushed tomatoes and let the mixture simmer, allowing the flavors to dance and meld together.

Step 5: Build the Liquid Foundation

Pour in chicken broth and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble softly, developing deep, rich flavors.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Boil penne pasta until it reaches that ideal al dente texture. Drain the pasta and add it directly into the skillet with the simmering sauce.

Step 7: Reunite the Chicken

Return the golden-brown chicken pieces to the skillet. Gently mix everything so the chicken and pasta become best friends, coated in the delicious sauce.

Step 8: Cheese Melting Magic

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Allow the cheese to melt and create a creamy, irresistible blanket over the dish.

Step 9: Finish and Serve

Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while hot and bubbling, ready to be devoured by hungry guests.

What Works for Mozzarella Chicken Pasta

• Boost Chicken Flavor: Marinate chicken in herbs and garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking to enhance its taste and tenderness.
• Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just shy of the package instructions to achieve an ideal al dente consistency that holds up well in the sauce.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Let the skillet sit off the heat for 2-3 minutes after adding cheese to create a creamy, perfectly melted cheese layer without burning.
• Sauce Thickness Control: If the sauce seems too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken naturally.
• Fresh Herb Enhancement: Chop fresh basil right before serving to maximize its aromatic flavor and vibrant green color.

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: How To Save Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains fresh and safe to eat.
• Transfer pasta to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Mozzarella might slightly change texture but remains edible.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until steaming hot.

Serving Ideas for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

• Crisp White Wine Pairing: Opt for a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the rich tomato sauce and creamy cheese, cutting through the dish's richness with refreshing acidity.
• Zesty Side Salad Support: Craft a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to balance the pasta's hearty profile, adding a bright, peppery contrast.
• Crusty Garlic Bread Boost: Serve warm, toasted Italian bread rubbed with fresh garlic and drizzled with olive oil to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy texture complement.
• Herb-Infused Roasted Vegetables: Prepare a medley of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant seasoned with rosemary and thyme to introduce additional Mediterranean flavors alongside the pasta.

Pasta & Mozzarella Dish Twists

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace penne pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for added flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Reduce tomato sauce quantity to lower carbohydrate content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like cashew mozzarella or nutritional yeast. Replace Parmesan with dairy-free nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan substitute.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Sure! While penne works great, you can substitute with other short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or rotini. Just ensure the pasta can hold the sauce well.

• How do I know if my chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas and juices running clear.

• Is this dish spicy?

The basic recipe isn’t spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne if you want heat. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste preference.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator and combine with fresh pasta when ready to serve. Reheat gently to prevent overcooking.

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor the delightful harmony of “Chicken Mozzarella Pasta” where tender chicken meets creamy cheese in a comforting Italian-inspired dish. Melted mozzarella and succulent chicken create an irresistible pasta experience you won’t soon forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Seasonings and Herbs:

• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
• 1 can (14 ounces/400 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, finely chopped

Cheese:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish:

• Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Sprinkle chicken with aromatic seasoning, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Sear the seasoned chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil, developing a golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture. Transfer to a separate plate once perfectly cooked.
3. Without cleaning the skillet, sauté minced garlic and diced onions until they become translucent and release their fragrant essence.
4. Introduce dried basil, oregano, and crushed tomatoes, creating a robust sauce base that will coat the pasta with rich Mediterranean flavors.
5. Stream chicken broth into the skillet, allowing the liquid to simmer and marry the ingredients’ complex profiles.
6. Simultaneously, prepare penne pasta in boiling water until achieving a perfect al dente texture, then carefully drain while reserving a small amount of cooking liquid.
7. Merge the pasta directly into the simmering sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete and even coating.
8. Reintroduce the previously cooked chicken into the skillet, folding it seamlessly into the sauce-coated pasta.
9. Generously scatter mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the surface, creating a luxurious melted blanket that will transform the dish into a creamy, indulgent experience.
10. Finish with a flourish of freshly torn basil leaves, providing a bright, aromatic garnish that elevates the entire culinary composition.

Notes

• Customize chicken seasoning with Italian herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor depth.
• Choose low-moisture mozzarella to prevent watery sauce and ensure better cheese melting.
• Substitute gluten-free penne for those with wheat sensitivities while maintaining recipe’s authentic taste.
• Prepare chicken ahead of time and refrigerate for quicker weeknight meal assembly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg