Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, melty cheese, and a rich tomato sauce. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless (skinless) chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped) or 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing into thin strips.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add red pepper flakes if using, and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Step 4: Stir in the diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
6. Step 6: Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Add chopped basil and mix to combine.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with additional basil and parsley if desired. Serve warm immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh mozzarella cut into small pieces if you prefer a gooey texture instead of shredded cheese.
• Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
• If you like it spicy, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Substitute penne with other pasta shapes such as rigatoni or fusilli for variety.

Storage

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure the chicken is fully thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent a tough texture.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a little butter as a lighter alternative, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy.

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe

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This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a creamy, flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts, al dente penne pasta, and a rich tomato and cream sauce loaded with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Infused with garlic, fresh basil, and an optional kick from red pepper flakes, this easy-to-make dish delivers comforting Italian-inspired flavors perfect for a family dinner.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

Pasta

• 8 ounces penne pasta

Sauce and Cheese

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to prepare the other components.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper evenly on both sides. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until aromatic. Add the red pepper flakes if using and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Stir in the diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
4. Combine the Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked penne pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir everything together carefully to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy tomato sauce.
5. Add the Cheese: Fold in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses until melted and fully combined into the sauce. Then stir in the chopped fresh basil for a burst of herbal freshness.
6. Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the dish with additional chopped basil and parsley if desired. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• For spice lovers, the red pepper flakes add a mild heat but can be omitted for a milder dish.
• Use fresh basil when possible for brighter flavor, but dried basil works well in a pinch.
• Letting the chicken rest before slicing helps retain its juiciness.
• Feel free to substitute penne with other pasta such as rigatoni or fusilli.
• To make this recipe lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.

Keywords: Chicken pasta, Mozzarella pasta, Creamy chicken pasta, Italian chicken pasta, Penne pasta recipe