Easy & Flavorful Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe for Dinner Joy

Whipping up a delectable chicken mozzarella pasta feels like culinary magic happening right in your kitchen.

Melted cheese stretches over perfectly cooked noodles, creating an irresistible comfort meal.

Juicy chicken pieces nestle between spirals, promising incredible flavor in each bite.

Simple ingredients blend seamlessly, turning an ordinary dinner into something spectacular.

Fresh herbs scattered across the top add a burst of aromatic brightness.

Creamy textures and savory notes promise a meal that satisfies every craving.

What Makes Chicken Mozzarella Pasta a Delicious Meal

• Quick and Simple Cooking: Whip up this delightful chicken mozzarella pasta with minimal effort, using basic kitchen skills and everyday ingredients.
• Packed with Flavor Explosion: Enjoy a creamy, cheesy dish that blends sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and spices for a mouthwatering taste experience.
• Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or a satisfying solo meal that can be easily customized with your favorite herbs and spices.
• Comfort Food Perfection: Indulge in a warm, comforting pasta that combines protein-rich chicken with creamy mozzarella for a truly satisfying meal.

Ingredients for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

• Chicken Slices: Tender protein that provides a hearty base for the pasta dish.
• Penne Pasta: Classic pasta shape that holds the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy cheese that melts into a smooth and rich sauce.

• Half-and-Half: Creates a rich and creamy base for the pasta sauce.
• Garlic: Adds a deep, aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Provides a tangy and concentrated tomato flavor.

• Salt, Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes: Spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Dried Basil, Fresh Basil: Herbs that add a fresh and aromatic touch.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and adding richness to the dish.

How to Prepare Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook penne pasta following package directions.

Keep aside some pasta water for later use.

Step 2: Season Chicken

Sprinkle chicken slices with salt and paprika for a flavor boost.

Step 3: Sear Chicken Perfectly

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook chicken until golden brown and fully done.

Step 4: Build Flavor Base

• Minced garlic
• Sun-dried tomatoes

Sauté for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour half-and-half into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Melt Cheese

Stir shredded mozzarella into the sauce until completely melted and silky smooth.

Step 7: Combine Everything

• Cooked pasta
• Reserved pasta water
• Dried basil
• Red pepper flakes
• Additional salt

Mix thoroughly to ensure even coating.

Step 8: Plate and Serve

Transfer to serving dishes.

Optional: Garnish with fresh basil leaves for extra freshness.

Pro Tips for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

• Save the reserved pasta water to create a silky, smooth sauce that helps bind ingredients perfectly.
• Evenly coat chicken slices with salt and paprika for a deeper, more balanced flavor profile.
• Slowly stir mozzarella into the warm sauce to prevent clumping and ensure a creamy, uniform texture.
• Add red pepper flakes and dried basil for an extra layer of aromatic and spicy complexity to the dish.
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves just before serving to elevate the visual appeal and add a bright, fresh note.

Flavorful Variations of Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or white beans for a plant-based version that maintains protein content and creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free penne pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals without changing the recipe's core flavors.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute mozzarella with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese, and use coconut milk or almond milk instead of half-and-half for lactose-free eaters.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the rich, creamy sauce and protein elements intact.

Serving Ideas for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

• Pasta Night Perfection: Serve this creamy chicken mozzarella pasta on a large family-style platter for a stunning presentation that invites everyone to dig in.
• Weekend Dinner Party Delight: Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio and a fresh mixed green salad to balance the rich, cheesy pasta.
• Side Dish Companions: Roasted garlic bread or a simple bruschetta make excellent companions that complement the pasta's robust flavors and soak up the delicious sauce.
• Fresh Finish: Sprinkle extra fresh basil leaves and a light dusting of red pepper flakes on top for a burst of color and added zesty kick just before serving.

How to Store Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

• Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water or extra half-and-half to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or rotini. Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well.

• Is it okay to use chicken breasts or thighs?

Chicken breasts work perfectly for this recipe. They’re lean and cook quickly. Just ensure they’re sliced evenly for uniform cooking.

• What if I don't have half-and-half?

No problem! You can use equal parts heavy cream and whole milk as a substitute. This will provide similar richness and creaminess to the sauce.

• How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a small pinch. For more kick, you can increase the amount to suit your taste preference.

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken mozzarella pasta brings Italian comfort to your dinner table with its rich, cheesy goodness. Melted mozzarella and tender chicken create a delightful symphony of flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound chicken tenderloins, sliced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
• 4 ounces (113 grams) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water

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Instructions

1. Cook penne pasta in boiling water until al dente, carefully setting aside 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid for later use.
2. Delicately coat chicken slices with salt and paprika, ensuring even seasoning coverage.
3. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, then sear chicken pieces until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, approximately 5-6 minutes.
4. Introduce minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet, allowing aromatics to release their intense flavors for 1-2 minutes.
5. Gently stream half-and-half into the pan, bringing the mixture to a soft, bubbling simmer.
6. Gradually incorporate shredded mozzarella, stirring continuously until cheese melts into a velvety, smooth sauce.
7. Combine cooked pasta with the creamy sauce, reserved pasta water, dried basil, red pepper flakes, and additional seasoning, tossing until ingredients are evenly distributed.
8. Transfer to serving plates and optionally garnish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Master the pasta cooking by saving some starchy water, which helps create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats each pasta piece.
• Choose high-quality chicken breasts and slice them uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes – a pinch for mild lovers, more for spice enthusiasts who crave a fiery kick.
• Transform this recipe into a vegetarian delight by substituting chicken with roasted zucchini or grilled portobello mushrooms for a protein-packed alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 560 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1180 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 44 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg