Description
This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and full of Italian flavors! A quick and easy 30-minute meal perfect for any night of the week
Ingredients
Scale
For 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
For 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
For Garnishing (Optional):
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Extra mozzarella or Parmesan
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, then stir in salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, basil, and oregano.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to develop.
- Stir in heavy cream, mixing until smooth.
4. Combine Everything
- Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce.
- 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.
Notes
✔ 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.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: DINNER
- Cuisine: AMERICAN
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
