The aroma of garlic and herbs fills the air as you imagine digging into a plate of Chicken Mozzarella Pasta. This dish is a delightful blend of flavors that dance on your taste buds like they’re at a salsa party. Picture this: tender chicken enveloped in creamy mozzarella, all tossed with al dente pasta and a rich sauce that makes your heart sing.
Every time I make this dish, I’m reminded of the first time I served it at a family gathering. My cousin took one bite and declared it “life-changing,” which made me wonder if I should consider a career in culinary fame or just stick to being the family’s unofficial chef. Trust me; this dish deserves a spot on your dinner table any day of the week!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is easy to prepare and ensures a delicious outcome every time
- The creamy texture and savory flavors make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Enjoy it as a comforting weeknight meal or dress it up for special occasions
I remember my friend Sarah’s reaction when she first tasted my Chicken Mozzarella Pasta; she practically begged me for the recipe while simultaneously attempting to sneak seconds.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.
- Pasta: Any type works well; I prefer penne for its ability to hold onto the sauce.
- Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for quality cheese; it melts beautifully and adds richness.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic brings an aromatic depth; don’t skimp on this flavorful ingredient.
- Heavy Cream: For that luscious sauce; it transforms ordinary pasta into something extraordinary.
- Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan elevates the flavor profile; use freshly grated if possible.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs adds complexity; feel free to adjust according to your taste preferences.
- Olive Oil: Use good quality olive oil for sautéing the chicken and adding flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors in this dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince garlic finely. This will help everything cook evenly.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper. Sauté until golden brown and cooked through—about 7-10 minutes—stirring occasionally.
Add Garlic: Once the chicken is nearly done, toss in minced garlic. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not burned—your kitchen should smell heavenly right now.
Pasta Time: Meanwhile, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining; you’ll need it later for adjusting the sauce consistency.
Create the Sauce: Lower heat after removing chicken from skillet. Pour in heavy cream and add Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine while scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the pan.
Toss It All Together: Return chicken to skillet along with cooked pasta and fresh mozzarella. Mix everything thoroughly until cheese melts into gooey goodness—add reserved pasta water if necessary for creaminess.
And there you have it! Your Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is ready to impress! With its vibrant colors and tantalizing aroma, everyone will want to dig in right away!
You Must Know
- Cooking chicken and pasta together enhances flavor absorption
- Use fresh mozzarella for a gooey texture that elevates the dish
- The aromatic blend of garlic and basil will fill your kitchen, making it smell like an Italian bistro
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then cook the pasta while preparing the sauce to streamline your efforts and save time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or add spinach for extra color and nutrition. A splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavors beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always let the chicken rest after cooking; it keeps it juicy
- For extra creaminess, add a bit of cream or ricotta into the sauce
- Fresh herbs can drastically improve overall flavor, so don’t skip them!
Cooking this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta always reminds me of family gatherings where everyone would fight over seconds. The ooey-gooey mozzarella melted perfectly every time, leaving smiles all around.
FAQ
Can I use whole wheat pasta for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta works well and adds extra fiber to the dish.
What is the best way to season chicken for this recipe?
Simple salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs work wonders on your chicken.
Can I make Chicken Mozzarella Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, prepare everything in advance and store separately until ready to serve for best results.
Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a creamy and savory dish featuring tender chicken, gooey mozzarella, and al dente pasta—perfect for any occasion that calls for comfort food.
Ingredients
- 3–4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 8 oz Pasta (penne preferred)
- 8 oz Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese
- 2 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Dice chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté chicken with salt and pepper until golden brown (7-10 minutes).
- Add minced garlic; cook until fragrant (1-2 minutes).
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water.
- Lower heat; stir in heavy cream and Italian seasoning into the skillet, scraping up bits from the pan.
- Return chicken to the skillet, then add cooked pasta and fresh mozzarella. Mix thoroughly until cheese melts, adding reserved pasta water for desired creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (350g)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Swap chicken for shrimp or add spinach for extra nutrition. A splash of lemon juice brightens flavors beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
