Picture this: tender bites of juicy chicken, a rich and creamy tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese all wrapped around perfectly cooked pasta. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is exactly that—pure comfort in a bowl. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but is actually super easy to make, perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pasta isn’t just about delicious flavors—it’s about making dinner feel like an experience. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Creamy & Cheesy: The mozzarella melts into the sauce, making it luxuriously rich.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: No need for complicated ingredients—just pantry staples that come together beautifully.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A dish that both kids and adults will devour.
- Customizable: Add veggies, spice it up, or swap proteins—it’s flexible and always tasty.
Ingredients in Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
Each ingredient plays a key role in creating this creamy, cheesy perfection.
Chicken Breast: Lean, juicy, and the perfect protein base for this dish.
Pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti—use your favorite!
Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken to golden perfection.
Garlic & Onion: Adds depth and incredible flavor to the sauce.
Crushed Tomatoes: The base of the sauce, bringing a rich and tangy balance.
Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce its luscious, creamy texture.
Mozzarella Cheese: The star of the show—melts beautifully into the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty kick to round out the flavors.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that makes the sauce taste like it’s been simmering all day.
Salt & Pepper: Enhances all the flavors.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): A little heat for those who love spice.
Fresh Basil (for Garnish): Adds freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
This dish comes together in just a few simple steps. Let’s get cooking!
Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and cooked through, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
Melt the Cheese: Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan, letting them melt into the sauce for that irresistibly creamy texture.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, tossing until everything is coated in that dreamy sauce.
Finish & Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
- With Garlic Bread: Because extra cheesy pasta deserves a crispy, buttery side.
- With a Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with balsamic dressing balances the richness.
- With Roasted Veggies: Broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini make great sides.
- As Is: Honestly, this dish is satisfying enough on its own!
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Mozzarella: For the best melt and texture.
- Adjust the Spice: Add more red pepper flakes if you love heat.
- Make It Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk.
- Store Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A1: Yes! Provolone, fontina, or even cheddar can work.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Just reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth.
Q3: Can I freeze this pasta?
A3: The sauce freezes well, but the pasta may soften a bit. If freezing, store the sauce separately.
Q4: What pasta works best for this recipe?
A4: Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli hold the sauce beautifully, but any pasta works!
Q5: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A5: Yes! Thighs add extra juiciness and flavor.
Q6: How do I make this dish vegetarian?
A6: Swap the chicken for mushrooms or zucchini, and you’re set!
Q7: Can I add other veggies?
A7: Definitely—spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes would be great additions.
Q8: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A8: Reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to keep it creamy.
Q9: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A9: Just use gluten-free pasta, and you’re good to go!
Q10: What’s the secret to making it extra creamy?
A10: Let the mozzarella melt fully and add a bit more heavy cream if needed.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is everything you need in a comforting, cheesy, flavor-packed meal. Whether it’s a quick dinner or a dish to impress guests, it’s a winner every time. Try it out and let me know—how do you like your pasta?
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The Best Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish with seasoned chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich mozzarella sauce. It’s a quick and easy recipe that combines the goodness of macaroni pasta, chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes in a savory, cheesy sauce perfect for any dinner table. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner recipes or a high-protein recipe, this dish will satisfy all cravings!
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz macaroni pasta or penne pasta
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breasts, sliced into small pieces
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Creamy Sauce
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes (without oil), sliced into small chunks
- 1 cup half-and-half (1/2 cup milk + 1/2 cup heavy cream)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, crushed
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/3 cup pasta water
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic & Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant. Remove the sun-dried tomatoes from the skillet, leaving the oil in the pan.
- Cook Chicken – Season chicken with salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Cook the chicken pieces for 1 minute on each side over high heat. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Cook Pasta – Cook macaroni pasta according to package directions. Save about ⅓ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare Creamy Sauce – In the same skillet, add half-and-half and mozzarella cheese. Bring to a slow boil, then reduce the heat to simmer, stirring frequently until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
- Combine – Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce and mix until well combined.
- Season – Add salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, oregano, and fresh parsley. Stir to combine and simmer for a few minutes for the flavors to blend.
- Adjust Sauce – If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Garnish & Serve – Garnish with extra oregano or basil and red pepper flakes for a little extra flavor. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- You can swap out the pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options for a healthier version.
- If you like extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or some chopped fresh chilies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 641 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg