Name: Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 8 ounces penne pasta; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Oh, you guys! This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. Picture this: tender chicken, gooey mozzarella, and a rich, flavorful tomato sauce, all wrapped up in the comforting embrace of pasta. It’s everything you crave in one dish, and the best part? It’s quick, simple, and utterly delicious. Trust me, once you’ve made this, you’ll be craving it again and again. Let’s dive in and get this dinner party started!

Why You’ll Love Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating an experience. Whether you’re cooking for the family, treating yourself to a cozy night in, or impressing friends with a homemade dinner, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Here’s why it’s a crowd-pleaser:

Versatile: This pasta dish is great for busy weeknights or even casual get-togethers. It’s that “comfort food meets crowd favorite” combo.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple ingredients, it’s the kind of dish you can make without breaking the bank. You’ll likely have everything you need right in your kitchen!
Quick and Easy: If you’re someone who loves delicious food but doesn’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, this is the recipe for you. It’s designed for those “I need dinner, fast” moments.
Customizable: Add some extra veggies, switch up the type of pasta, or toss in a sprinkle of your favorite seasoning to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: There’s something about that melty mozzarella that makes this dish irresistible. Whether you’re serving it to kids or adults, it’s bound to be a hit.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic behind this creamy, cheesy dish—simple ingredients that come together in perfect harmony:

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the base of this dish. When cooked, they’re juicy, tender, and absorb all those delicious flavors.
Mozzarella Cheese: The star of the show! Fresh mozzarella adds a rich, gooey texture that makes this pasta feel extra indulgent.
Pasta: Use your favorite type of pasta for this dish—penne, spaghetti, fusilli… anything works! The pasta serves as the perfect vehicle to soak up all the saucy goodness.
Tomato Sauce: A smooth and flavorful base for this dish. It brings a little tang and a lot of depth to the sauce that covers everything so perfectly.
Garlic: You can never go wrong with garlic. It infuses the dish with an aromatic, savory base that gives everything a little extra oomph.
Olive Oil: For sautéing and adding that light, delicious richness.
Fresh Basil: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens up the dish and complements the mozzarella perfectly.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to bring everything together.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this comforting, cheesy masterpiece:

Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside. You want it al dente, so it holds up beautifully when mixed with the sauce.

Cook the Chicken: While your pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them in the skillet until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and slice it into thin strips.

Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil and sauté the garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). This will infuse the oil with all that savory goodness.

Make the Sauce: Add the tomato sauce to the skillet with the garlic. Stir to combine and let it simmer for a few minutes. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.

Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to make sure the pasta is well-coated in the sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed.

Melt the Mozzarella: Add the mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta and chicken. Cover the skillet and let it cook on low heat for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy: Once the cheese is all gooey and perfect, sprinkle with fresh basil for a burst of flavor and color. Serve warm and get ready for some serious comfort food vibes!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but here are a few serving suggestions to take it to the next level:

Fresh Salad: Pair it with a crisp green salad, dressed with a light vinaigrette or balsamic glaze, to balance the richness of the pasta.
Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with some buttery garlic bread to soak up that extra sauce. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus make for a lovely side that adds a little color and crunch.
Extra Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover (who isn’t?), sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan over the top for even more cheesy goodness.
As a Leftover: This dish is great the next day! You can even make it ahead of time and reheat it for a quick meal.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to ensure you get the most out of this recipe:

Prep Ahead: Slice and season your chicken earlier in the day or even the night before. This will cut down on cooking time when you’re ready to make the dish.
Go for Fresh Mozzarella: If possible, use fresh mozzarella. It melts beautifully and has that irresistible creamy texture that makes the dish feel extra special.
Add Veggies: Want to sneak in some veggies? You can add spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
Season to Taste: Don’t be afraid to play with the seasoning! If you like a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes. For more depth, stir in some Italian seasoning.
Make it Creamy: If you’re in the mood for something extra indulgent, add a splash of cream or half-and-half to the sauce for a creamy twist.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! Any pasta shape you love will work—penne, fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Just cook it to al dente for the best texture.

Q2: Can I substitute the chicken for something else?
A2: Yes! You can use turkey, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. For a vegetarian version, try adding mushrooms or chickpeas.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can prepare everything up to the point of adding the mozzarella. Store it in the fridge and just bake it with the cheese when you’re ready to serve.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: Yes, you can! Freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or on the stove.

Q6: Can I use store-bought tomato sauce?
A6: Absolutely! Store-bought tomato sauce works just fine. Just make sure to choose one that’s flavorful so you don’t have to do much extra seasoning.

Q7: Can I make this dairy-free?
A7: Yes! You can substitute the mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese, or simply omit it for a lighter version. You could also try cashew cream for a creamy texture.

Q8: How do I make this spicier?
A8: If you love a little heat, add red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne, or even some fresh chopped chili peppers to the sauce.

Q9: Can I use frozen chicken?
A9: It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking. If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it first, either overnight in the fridge or using the defrost setting on your microwave.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled! Just use a larger skillet or two pans and adjust the cooking times accordingly.

Conclusion

There you have it—Chicken Mozzarella Pasta, a dish that’s as cozy and comforting as it is flavorful. Whether you’re cooking for the family, a group of friends, or just yourself, this dish is sure to hit the spot every time. With tender chicken, gooey mozzarella, and pasta in a rich tomato sauce, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Easy, quick, and totally satisfying—this one’s definitely a keeper. Enjoy!