Chicken Mozzarella Pasta – Creamy, Cheesy & Irresistible!

This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners! Featuring tender chicken, melty mozzarella, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce, this dish is easy to make in under 30 minutes while delivering rich, comforting flavors.

Serve it with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted veggies, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal at home!

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Ingredients for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

the Pasta & Sauce:

• 12 oz (340g) penne or rigatoni pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnishing (Optional):

• Fresh basil or parsley
• Extra mozzarella or Parmesan
• A drizzle of balsamic glaze

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board and sharp knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

2. Cook the Chicken

1. Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Pour in crushed tomatoes, then stir in salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, basil, and oregano.
4. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to develop.
5. Stir in heavy cream, mixing until smooth.

4. Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
2. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce.
3. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

5. Serve & Enjoy!

• Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or extra cheese.
• Serve immediately with garlic bread or a fresh salad.

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Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Use fresh mozzarella – It melts better and creates a gooey texture.
Don’t overcook the pasta – Keep it al dente so it doesn’t become mushy.
Let the sauce simmer – This deepens the flavors and makes the dish richer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not seasoning the chicken well – Proper seasoning enhances the overall dish.
Skipping the pasta water – It helps bind the sauce to the pasta.
Adding cheese too soon – Let the sauce cool slightly before stirring in mozzarella to prevent clumping.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

• Serve with garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks.
• Pair with a side Caesar or arugula salad.
• Top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Freezing:

• Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

• Make it vegetarian – Swap chicken for mushrooms or roasted eggplant.
• Use different pasta – Try fettuccine, spaghetti, or bowtie pasta.
• Add veggies – Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers.

What to Serve with Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

• Steamed asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts
• A warm, crusty baguette
• Fresh tomato and cucumber salad

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken works great—just add it in step 4.

How do I make this dish lighter?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare everything, store in the fridge, and reheat before serving.

Conclusion

This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and full of Italian flavors, making it the perfect easy dinner for any night of the week. Whether you’re making it for family, guests, or meal prep, this dish is guaranteed to impress!

Try it today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more easy and delicious pasta recipes!

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Calories Per Serving

Approximate Calories: 550 kcal per serving (based on 4 servings).

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Serves: 4

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