Imagine this: it’s a busy weeknight, your stomach is growling louder than your neighbor’s dog, and all you want is comfort food that doesn’t make you feel like you need a PhD in cooking. Enter Chicken Mozzarella Pasta—the creamy, cheesy, and downright irresistible dish that makes everyone at the table smile. With tender chicken, gooey mozzarella, and pasta that soaks up all that creamy goodness, this recipe is like a warm hug in a bowl. And the best part? You don’t have to be a master chef to pull it off. Stick around, and I’ll guide you step by step to make this dinner star shine.
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Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A creamy, cheesy pasta dish with tender chicken and melted mozzarella, perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente. Sauté chicken in butter and olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic, add heavy cream, then gradually melt in mozzarella and Parmesan until smooth.
- Combine pasta and chicken with sauce, fold in cherry tomatoes and basil, and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Is a Family Favorite
Chicken Mozzarella Pasta earns its spot on the family table because it hits all the right notes: creamy sauce, tender chicken, and stretchy mozzarella that makes every bite heavenly. It’s not just food; it’s comfort, nostalgia, and satisfaction rolled into one dish. Busy parents, hungry teens, and even picky eaters all find themselves reaching for seconds. This dish is forgiving, too—overcook the chicken slightly, and it’s still delicious; undercook the pasta, and the sauce hides it beautifully.
Ingredients for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
Essential Pantry Ingredients for a Quick Dinner
Making this creamy, cheesy pasta is easier than you think. You don’t need any fancy items—just simple ingredients that are probably already in your kitchen. The key players are tender chicken, cooked pasta, and mozzarella cheese. To bring it all together, a creamy sauce with butter, garlic, and a hint of cream creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Adding some Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt and pepper makes all the difference.
Here’s a handy table for measurements and tips:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 2 (about 1 lb) | Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking |
| Pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli) | 12 oz | Cook until al dente |
| Mozzarella cheese | 2 cups shredded | Use whole-milk for creamier results |
| Butter | 2 tbsp | For sautéing chicken and flavor |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | Prevents chicken from sticking |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced | Adds aromatic depth |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | Forms the rich, creamy sauce |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp | Or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste | Balance the flavors |
| Parmesan cheese | ½ cup grated | Optional, for extra cheesy kick |
| Cherry tomatoes | 1 cup, halved | Optional, adds color and freshness |
| Fresh basil | For garnish | Adds a pop of flavor and visual appeal |
Optional Add-Ins and Flavor Boosters
Feel free to mix things up! Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers work beautifully. If you like a little kick, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. These extras won’t complicate the recipe—they’ll just elevate it and make it feel a bit more gourmet without the effort.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preparing Chicken and Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until it’s al dente—just tender with a slight bite. While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat and add butter and olive oil. Once the butter melts, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and half of your Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. This ensures juicy, flavorful chicken that will perfectly complement the creamy sauce. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside, but keep the skillet ready for the sauce.
Step 2: Creating the Creamy Mozzarella Sauce
In the same skillet, add a touch more butter if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle in the remaining Italian seasoning and stir in shredded mozzarella gradually. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is silky smooth. If you want extra richness, add the optional Parmesan cheese now. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon—thick, creamy, and cheesy.
Step 3: Combining Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently to ensure each piece of pasta and chicken is coated in cheesy goodness. If using cherry tomatoes or fresh basil, fold them in at this stage for a fresh, vibrant touch. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes so all the flavors meld together. Serve immediately while the mozzarella is still melty, and enjoy a dinner that looks fancy but was effortless to make.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
How to Keep Chicken Juicy and Tender
One of the secrets to amazing Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is perfectly cooked chicken. Avoid overcooking it; check for doneness by cutting a piece—juicy and white inside is ideal. Marinating chicken in a little olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning for 15–30 minutes before cooking can also boost flavor and tenderness. Additionally, cooking the chicken over medium heat rather than high prevents it from drying out while giving it a nice golden-brown crust.
Getting the Cheese Melt Just Right
Mozzarella can be tricky if you rush it. To get that smooth, melty texture, lower the heat and stir continuously once you add the cheese to the cream sauce. Adding it gradually prevents clumping and ensures a creamy consistency. For extra flavor, sprinkle Parmesan or a pinch of garlic powder while stirring. Avoid boiling the sauce after adding mozzarella—it can separate or become stringy instead of silky.
Extra Tips for a Foolproof Dinner
- Use al dente pasta so it doesn’t overcook when mixed with the sauce.
- Keep pasta water on hand; adding a splash can loosen the sauce if it thickens too quickly.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley added at the end elevate both flavor and presentation.
These simple tricks make the difference between a good meal and a memorable, cozy dinner that gets everyone asking for seconds.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
Vegetable and Herb Additions
Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is versatile, so feel free to sneak in some veggies. Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers work beautifully, adding color, texture, and extra nutrients. Simply sauté the vegetables with garlic before adding the cream and cheese sauce. For a fresh, aromatic touch, fold in fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme just before serving. These small additions elevate the dish without complicating it.
Pairing Ideas for a Complete Meal
Serve this creamy, cheesy pasta alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls make excellent sides, perfect for mopping up extra sauce. If you want a refreshing beverage, iced tea or sparkling apple cider pairs beautifully with the cheesy, savory flavors. You can even make a light dessert like fresh fruit or a simple sorbet to finish the meal on a bright note.
FAQs About Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
What Pasta Works Best with Mozzarella?
Short, tubular pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli works best. They hold the creamy sauce well and mix evenly with chicken and cheese.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! Cook the pasta and chicken, then store them separately from the sauce in airtight containers. Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to restore creaminess.
How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. When reheating, use low heat on the stove, stirring frequently. Microwave works too, but add a little milk or cream to prevent the sauce from drying out.
Can I Add Vegetables?
Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers make great additions. Sauté them lightly before mixing with the sauce to maintain texture.
Conclusion
Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is the ultimate comfort dinner—creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and gooey mozzarella, it’s a meal that feels fancy but is simple enough for any weeknight. By following the tips, variations, and step-by-step instructions, you can serve a dish that delights the whole family and keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your favorite vegetables and herbs, this pasta is a reliable, cozy, and satisfying dinner option that never fails to impress.