Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe
If youāre looking for a quick, hearty, and flavorful meal to please the whole family, Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is the perfect choice. This dish combines tender chicken, a creamy tomato sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and gooey, melted mozzarella for a comfort meal that never fails to impress. Whether itās for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this easy-to-follow recipe will be a hit at your table. Letās get started!

Ingredients Overview
To make this delicious pasta, youāll need the following ingredients:
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces (225 g) penne pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
For the Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 pound total, diced into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (120 ml)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (120 ml)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (170 g)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves (chopped, for garnish)
The Perfect Mozzarella for Pasta
Choosing the right mozzarella makes a big difference in this dish.
- Fresh Mozzarella: Provides a creamy, authentic flavor and melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Shredded Mozzarella: Convenient and easy to use, it creates a stretchy, cheesy texture.
- Low-Moisture Mozzarella: Ideal for avoiding excess liquid if youāre aiming for a thicker sauce.
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the diced chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5ā7 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sautƩ for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the red pepper flakes (if using) and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 5ā7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
4. Combine the Ingredients
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta and stir gently until the cheese is melted and gooey.
5. Serve and Garnish
- Serve the pasta hot, topped with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Key Tips for Perfect Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercook the pasta so it finishes cooking in the sauce, absorbing its flavors.
- Donāt Overcook the Chicken: Cooking the chicken until just done keeps it juicy and tender.
- Control Sauce Consistency: Use reserved pasta water to adjust the thickness of the sauce as needed.
- Use Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds a burst of flavor and aroma to the dish, elevating it to restaurant-quality.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is highly adaptable to suit different preferences:
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Replace the chicken with sautƩed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a vegetarian twist.
- Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli for added nutrition.
- Cheese Variety: Try swapping mozzarella for provolone or Fontina cheese for a unique flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance it with these sides:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Side Salad: A fresh garden salad or Caesar salad balances the richness of the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts for a wholesome touch.
How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Chicken: Dry chicken can ruin the dish, so cook it just until itās no longer pink.
- Skipping Pasta Water: Adding a bit of pasta water helps bind the sauce to the pasta and enhances the flavor.
- Adding Cheese Too Soon: Wait until the end to stir in the mozzarella to avoid clumping or burning.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option. Shred or dice the cooked chicken and add it to the sauce after it has thickened.
Whatās the best pasta shape for this dish?
Penne is a classic choice, but you can use fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalleāanything that holds the sauce well.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta in advance. Combine them when ready to serve, heating gently and adding fresh mozzarella for a freshly cooked taste.
Conclusion
This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a comfort meal thatās sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Itās creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and flavorful pasta, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions.
If you try this recipe, let us know how it turned out in the comments! Donāt forget to share this post with friends and subscribe to our blog for more irresistible recipes.
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Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: SautƩing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
If youāre looking for a quick, hearty, and flavorful meal to please the whole family, Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is the perfect choice. Combining tender chicken, a creamy tomato sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and gooey, melted mozzarella, this comforting dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- š Penne Pasta (8 oz / 225 g)
For the Chicken:
- š Chicken Breasts (2 large, about 1 lb, diced)
- š¢ļø Olive Oil (2 tablespoons)
- šæ Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon)
- š§ Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon)
- š§ Salt and Pepper (to taste)
For the Sauce:
- š§ Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons)
- š§ Garlic Cloves (3, minced)
- š Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz)
- š„ Heavy Cream (1/2 cup / 120 ml)
- š² Chicken Broth (1/2 cup / 120 ml)
- š¶ļø Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional)
- š§ Salt and Pepper (to taste)
For the Cheese:
- š§ Mozzarella Cheese (1 1/2 cups, shredded / 170 g)
- š§ Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup, optional, for serving)
For Garnish:
- šæ Fresh Basil Leaves (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season the diced chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 5ā7 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sautƩ for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
- Add red pepper flakes (if using) and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5ā7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
- Add the drained pasta and toss to combine. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the pasta and stir gently until melted and gooey.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Serve hot, topped with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente so it absorbs the flavors from the sauce.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Use fresh basil for an elevated flavor and aroma.