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