Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a quick and delicious dish that combines tender chicken, creamy melted mozzarella, and a rich tomato-based sauce over perfectly cooked pasta.

It’s a comforting meal that’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests. If you love cheesy, hearty meals, this recipe will surely become a favorite!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander
• Cutting board and knife

Ingredients Overview

• Chicken Breast: Provides lean protein and is perfectly complemented by the sauce and cheese.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, adding creamy richness.
• Pasta: Choose your favorite shape, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti.
• Tomato Sauce: Forms the flavorful base of the dish; choose a high-quality marinara or homemade sauce.
• Garlic and Onion: Add depth and aroma to the sauce.
• Seasonings: Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil enhance the dish’s flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 12 oz pasta of your choice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
   • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce
   • In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the garlic and onion until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Combine the Sauce Ingredients
   • Stir in the marinara sauce, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Add the Chicken
   • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix it into the sauce.
6. Incorporate the Mozzarella
   • Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
7. Combine with Pasta
   • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated with the sauce and chicken.
8. Serve
   • Transfer the pasta to serving bowls. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, and serve warm.

Step-by-Step Instructions

From cooking the pasta to assembling the dish with gooey cheese and seasoned chicken, this recipe is a breeze to prepare.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh mozzarella for the best texture and flavor.
• If you prefer a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream before adding the cheese.
• For extra veggies, toss in some spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.

What to Serve With This Recipe

• A side of garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping into the sauce.
• A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
• Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dish without adding the mozzarella cheese, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat and stir in the cheese before serving.

Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! Short pastas like penne, rigatoni, or bowtie work well, but spaghetti or fettuccine are also great choices.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Mozzarella Pasta as a complete meal with crusty bread and a crisp salad, or pair it with a glass of red wine for a more indulgent experience. This dish is versatile and satisfies everyone at the table!

Enjoy this cheesy, comforting pasta dish that’s bursting with flavor!

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

a quick and delicious dish that combines tender chicken, creamy melted mozzarella, and a rich tomato-based sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. It's a comforting meal that's easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests. If you love cheesy, hearty meals, this recipe will surely become a favorite!

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Equipment

• Kitchen Equipment Needed:
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander
• Cutting board and knife

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients Overview
• Chicken Breast: Provides lean protein and is perfectly complemented by the sauce and cheese.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully adding creamy richness.
• Pasta: Choose your favorite shape such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti.
• Tomato Sauce: Forms the flavorful base of the dish; choose a high-quality marinara or homemade sauce.
• Garlic and Onion: Add depth and aroma to the sauce.
• Seasonings: Italian seasoning red pepper flakes, and fresh basil enhance the dish's flavor.
• Ingredients
• 2 large chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
• 12 oz pasta of your choice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

 

• Cook the Pasta
• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• Cook the Chicken
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
• Prepare the Sauce
• In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the garlic and onion until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
• Combine the Sauce Ingredients
• Stir in the marinara sauce, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Add the Chicken
• Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix it into the sauce.
• Incorporate the Mozzarella
• Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
• Combine with Pasta
• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated with the sauce and chicken.
• Serve
• Transfer the pasta to serving bowls. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, and serve warm.
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• From cooking the pasta to assembling the dish with gooey cheese and seasoned chicken, this recipe is a breeze to prepare.
• Recipe Tips
• Use fresh mozzarella for the best texture and flavor.
• If you prefer a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream before adding the cheese.
• For extra veggies, toss in some spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• What to Serve With This Recipe
• A side of garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping into the sauce.
• A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
• Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I make this dish ahead of time?
• Yes! Prepare the dish without adding the mozzarella cheese, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat and stir in the cheese before serving.
• Can I use other types of pasta?
• Absolutely! Short pastas like penne, rigatoni, or bowtie work well, but spaghetti or fettuccine are also great choices.
• How do I store leftovers?
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove.