Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Introduction

There’s something absolutely irresistible about the combination of juicy, tender chicken, gooey mozzarella, and pasta all baked together in a delicious, savory dish. This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe is one of those meals that feels like a big, warm hug after a long day. Imagine taking your first bite and being greeted by that creamy, cheesy goodness, with every piece of chicken coated in a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s comfort food at its best.

This dish is so comforting yet simple, making it perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even date nights in. It combines all the best flavors into one pan—cheesy, tender, and bursting with flavor. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! You won’t need to be a gourmet chef to pull off this dish, but your family and friends will think you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.

I first discovered this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe when I was looking for something cheesy, filling, and easy to make on a weeknight. I wanted a dish that could satisfy my pasta cravings but also felt like a complete meal on its own. As soon as I tried this recipe, I was hooked. The creamy sauce combined with the mozzarella and perfectly seasoned chicken was everything I wanted in a meal. It quickly became a household favorite, and now I’m excited to share it with you.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe

There are so many reasons why this recipe will become a go-to for you, just like it did for me. Here are a few:

• Simple & Quick to Make: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy nights when you don’t want to spend all evening cooking.
• Cheesy Goodness: With mozzarella cheese melted into the pasta, you get that gooey, creamy texture that makes every bite absolutely delicious.
• One-Pot Meal: Everything is cooked in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
• Kid-Friendly: This dish is a hit with kids and adults alike. If you have picky eaters in the family, they’ll love the cheesy, comforting flavors.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes. Want to add some veggies? Go for it! Spice it up? You can do that, too.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4-6

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 35g
• Carbs: 45g
• Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish. Don’t worry, they’re all simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry!

• 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb), boneless and skinless
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• 12 oz penne pasta (or any pasta shape you prefer)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Notes:

• Chicken: The chicken breasts are seasoned and seared, giving them a crispy, flavorful crust while remaining tender inside.
• Pasta: Penne works perfectly in this dish, but you can use any pasta shape you like—fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti!
• Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella will give you that classic melt-in-your-mouth texture, but shredded mozzarella works just fine for convenience.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce, making it luxurious and satisfying.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps. Trust me, it’s easier than you think, and the results are totally worth it!

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture—this helps the seasoning stick. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Don’t be afraid to be a little liberal with the seasonings; this will help your chicken stay flavorful and juicy.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear them for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and fully cooked through. You can check for doneness using a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest.

2. Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions (usually around 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t forget to reserve about 1 cup of pasta water for the sauce—it can help loosen the sauce later if needed.

3. Make the Sauce

In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together, scraping up any flavorful bits left from the chicken. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and thicken slightly.

Once the sauce has thickened, lower the heat and stir in the mozzarella cheese, allowing it to melt and create a creamy, cheesy sauce.

4. Slice the Chicken

While the sauce is simmering, slice the cooked chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. You can also shred it if you prefer. Set the chicken aside for a moment.

5. Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Chicken

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy, cheesy sauce. If the sauce looks too thick, add a little reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Once the pasta is coated, add the sliced chicken to the skillet and gently toss everything together. Allow the dish to simmer for another 2-3 minutes so everything is heated through.

6. Serve and Garnish

Serve the Chicken Mozzarella Pasta hot, with a sprinkle of fresh basil for a pop of color and extra flavor. You can also sprinkle a little extra mozzarella on top for that extra cheesy goodness.

How to Serve

This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a meal on its own, but you can pair it with some delicious sides to complete the meal:

• Side Salad: A fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread or crusty rolls to mop up any leftover sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli or asparagus pairs beautifully with the cheesy pasta.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc is a great choice to complement the creamy, cheesy flavors of the pasta.

Additional Tips

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked. Make sure you cook them just until they reach 165°F (74°C), and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain their juices.

1. Use Fresh Mozzarella: While shredded mozzarella works, fresh mozzarella melts into a gooey, creamy texture that’s unbeatable in this dish.
2. Customize the Sauce: If you like a little more kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also throw in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
3. Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day ahead, and just cook the pasta when you’re ready to serve.
4. Leftovers: This dish makes fantastic leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce thickens too much.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted eggplant for a hearty, vegetarian version of this dish.
2. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
3. Add Vegetables: Add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce for extra veggies. Sauté them before adding the sauce ingredients.
4. Spicy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: Add chili flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Freezing and Storage

• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Special Equipment

• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For making the sauce and combining the pasta and chicken. A large skillet helps everything cook evenly.
• Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
• Large Pot for Pasta: Essential for cooking the pasta to al dente perfection.

Conclusion

This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is the perfect dish to make when you want something comforting, cheesy, and flavorful. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and gooey mozzarella, it’s guaranteed to be a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, it’s so easy to make that even beginners will feel confident in the kitchen.

I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite! If you do, be sure to share your experience in the comments or on social media—I’d love to hear how it turned out.