Sizzling Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe: A Cheesy Family Hit

Creamy chicken mozzarella pasta brings comfort to every dinner table with its irresistible blend of flavors.

Rich, melted cheese coats tender pasta and juicy chicken pieces perfectly.

This classic dish combines simple ingredients into something truly magical.

Home cooks adore how quickly this meal comes together after a long day.

Each forkful promises a delightful balance of protein and carbohydrates that satisfies deep hunger.

The recipe works wonders for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with loved ones.

Prepare to experience a pasta masterpiece that will become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

What Makes Chicken Mozzarella Pasta So Comforting

• Craft Comfort Quickly: Savor a hearty meal packed with rich Mediterranean flavors that comes together with minimal kitchen skills and maximum satisfaction.
• Pantry Champion: Transform basic ingredients like butter beans, canned tomatoes, and common pantry staples into a delicious, restaurant-worthy dish without complex shopping.
• Flavor Explosion Guaranteed: Combine salty anchovies, briny capers, tangy olives, and robust tomatoes to create a deeply satisfying sauce that tantalizes taste buds with every bite.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Perfect for solo meals, family dinners, or casual gatherings, this recipe adapts easily to different preferences and can be served with various sides like crusty bread or over pasta.

The Essentials Behind Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

• Penne Pasta: A classic tube-shaped pasta that holds sauce beautifully and provides a hearty foundation for the dish.

• Chicken Breasts: The main protein that adds lean, tender meat to the pasta dish.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth base for cooking and adds a subtle flavor to the dish.
• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Aromatics that bring depth and a hint of spiciness to the sauce.
• Diced Tomatoes: Add a fresh, tangy element to the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and luxurious sauce texture.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances the overall flavor and helps create a smooth sauce consistency.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that provide creaminess and a salty, tangy flavor profile.
• Basil, Parsley: Fresh herbs that add brightness and a pop of color to the finished dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.

A Simple Guide to Cooking Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Step 1: Boil Water and Cook Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Drop the penne pasta into the bubbling water and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Season and Sear Chicken

Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over both sides of the chicken breasts. Heat olive oil in a large skillet until it shimmers.

Carefully place the chicken in the hot pan and cook until golden brown and completely cooked through. Remove the chicken and let it rest briefly before slicing into mouth-watering strips.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Sauce Base

In the same skillet, add another drizzle of olive oil. Toss in minced garlic and let it dance and become fragrant.

Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a gentle kick of heat.

Step 4: Build Creamy Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Let the sauce bubble and thicken, stirring occasionally to develop rich flavors.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Protein

Slide the cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the simmering sauce.

Toss everything together until each piece is beautifully coated.

Step 6: Melt in the Cheese

• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan

Mix until the cheese melts completely and creates a luxurious coating.

Step 7: Add Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle chopped basil into the skillet and stir gently to distribute the fresh, aromatic herbs.

Step 8: Plate and Garnish

Remove the skillet from heat.

If desired, scatter additional basil and parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the pasta piping hot and enjoy immediately.

Handy Tricks for Perfect Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

• Select high-quality, fresh mozzarella for a creamier and more authentic flavor profile in your pasta dish.
• Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain a perfect bite throughout the meal.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to personal heat preference, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing.
• Cut chicken into thin, even strips to ensure consistent cooking and easy eating with each pasta bite.
• Use fresh basil and parsley right before serving to maximize their aromatic flavor and vibrant green color.

Fresh Twists You Can Try on Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

• Vegetarian Pasta Swap: Replace chicken with roasted eggplant or zucchini, using same seasoning and cooking method for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular penne with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Mediterranean Version: Add kalamata olives, swap mozzarella for feta cheese, and include oregano instead of basil for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Use spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta, keeping the creamy sauce and protein intact for a lighter meal.

Dishes That Pair Wonderfully with Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the creamy, tomato-based sauce with its bright, acidic notes that cut through the richness of the dish.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Toasted, buttery garlic bread provides a delightful crunch and soaks up the delicious sauce, enhancing the overall meal experience with its complementary flavors.
• Add Fresh Salad: Crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta, balancing the meal's heavier elements and adding nutritional variety.
• Finish with Chilled Dessert: Light lemon sorbet or tiramisu provides a cool, sweet ending that cleanses the palate after the savory, creamy chicken mozzarella pasta.

How to Keep Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Tasting Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the pasta is completely cooled before sealing.
• Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Note that cream-based sauces might slightly separate upon thawing.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water or additional cream to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Penne is recommended, but you can also use other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli that hold sauce well.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be a great alternative and will add more flavor to the dish. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can control the heat level. If you don’t like spice, simply omit them or use just a small pinch.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare components in advance. Cook chicken and pasta separately, and store in the refrigerator. Reheat and combine with sauce just before serving.

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken mozzarella pasta brings Italian comfort to dinner tables with its rich, cheesy sauce and tender chicken. Melted mozzarella and herbs create a simple yet luxurious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta and Cheese:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Liquid Ingredients:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces or 411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil at high heat.
2. Add penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender, then drain and reserve.
3. Pat chicken breasts dry and generously season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, reaching approximately 375°F.
5. Place seasoned chicken into hot skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Transfer chicken to cutting board and allow to rest for 3 minutes before slicing into thin diagonal strips.
7. Reduce skillet heat to medium and add remaining olive oil.
8. Sauté minced garlic for 45-60 seconds until aromatic, then sprinkle red pepper flakes and cook for additional 30 seconds.
9. Pour diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and chicken broth into skillet, bringing mixture to gentle simmer.
10. Allow sauce to develop flavors and thicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
11. Introduce sliced chicken and cooked pasta into sauce, tossing thoroughly to coat evenly.
12. Gradually incorporate mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
13. Fold in fresh chopped basil for added brightness and aroma.
14. Remove from heat and garnish with additional herbs if desired.
15. Serve immediately while piping hot, ensuring maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

• Opt for low-moisture mozzarella to prevent watery sauce and ensure a creamy, smooth texture.
• Slice chicken uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent tenderness throughout the dish.
• Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter, lower-calorie alternative that maintains richness.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or using mild chili powder for sensitive palates.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 517 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg