Description
Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a rich and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy tomato-based sauce with gooey melted mozzarella. This dish is packed with flavor from garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of spice, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this easy pasta dish is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into bite-sized pieces)
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Ingredient Highlights
- Chicken: Sliced chicken breast cooks quickly and stays juicy in the creamy sauce.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a melty, stretchy texture that makes the dish extra indulgent.
- Pasta: Any short pasta like penne or rotini works well, holding onto the sauce for maximum flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious creaminess to balance the acidity of the tomato sauce.
- Garlic and Italian Seasoning: Essential for building deep, aromatic flavors.
Instructions
Cook the Pasta and Chicken
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, then sauté the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine and Serve
- Add the Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Stir everything together to coat with the sauce.
- Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and well combined. Let it cook for another minute until the cheese is gooey.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley, and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 500-600 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 35g