There’s a symphony of flavors in the air when you whip up a batch of chicken mozzarella pasta. Picture this: tender chicken swimming in a sea of rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella, all tangled up with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s comfort food at its finest—like a cozy hug after a long day.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I make Chicken Mozzarella Pasta ahead of time?
- What pasta works best for this recipe?
- Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
- 📖 Recipe Card
As I stand over the stove, the aroma wafts through my kitchen like an irresistible invitation. This dish isn’t just food; it’s memories waiting to happen. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in with friends, chicken mozzarella pasta transforms an ordinary evening into something special.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delicious chicken mozzarella pasta is incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights
- The creamy cheese melts beautifully into the sauce for an irresistible flavor explosion
- Visually appealing with vibrant colors and textures, it’s sure to impress your family and guests alike
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt based on what ingredients you have on hand
My niece once declared this dish “the best thing since sliced bread” during our Sunday dinner together—an endorsement I still cherish today.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts; adjust based on how many you’re feeding or your hunger levels.
- Pasta (Fusilli or Penne): Choose your favorite type; these shapes hold sauce well and make for a hearty bite.
- Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for high-quality cheese for that gooey texture; it makes all the difference in flavor.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Use canned crushed tomatoes for convenience; they add depth and richness to your sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide a robust flavor; chop them finely to release their essence.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness; don’t skimp on this flavorful fat.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs will elevate your dish; sprinkle generously for aromatic delight.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors in this dish; adjust according to taste.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Here’s how we’ll bring this chicken mozzarella pasta masterpiece to life:
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients and chopping the garlic finely. Having everything ready saves time and keeps your cooking process smooth.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente—this usually takes around 8-10 minutes.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and let it warm up. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them in the skillet. Cook until golden brown on both sides—about 5-7 minutes each side.
Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Once the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F), remove it from the pan and set aside. In the same skillet, add garlic until fragrant—around 30 seconds—before adding crushed tomatoes along with Italian seasoning.
Combine Everything & Melt Cheese: Return the chicken back into the skillet with tomato sauce and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Add cooked pasta next; stir well before topping generously with fresh mozzarella slices.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer everything into a baking dish and bake for about 15 minutes or until cheese melts beautifully and bubbles over—the golden color is irresistible!
Now you have a delightful meal that will impress anyone lucky enough to sit at your table! Enjoy every cheesy bite of this comforting dish!
You Must Know
- This delightful Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe combines creamy textures with rich flavors, making it a family favorite
- The aroma of melting mozzarella and sautéed garlic fills your kitchen, ensuring that everyone will gather around the table
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken to lock in flavor. While that’s happening, boil your pasta and prepare the sauce simultaneously for a seamless cooking experience.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to keep it creamy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality mozzarella for a rich, melty texture; fresh herbs enhance flavor beautifully
- Avoid overcooking the chicken; it should be juicy and tender
- Don’t forget to reserve pasta water; it helps thicken sauces perfectly
Sharing this recipe reminds me of cozy family dinners where laughter filled the air and everyone eagerly awaited seconds of this scrumptious dish.
FAQ
Can I make Chicken Mozzarella Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare components in advance but assemble just before serving for best taste.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne or fusilli are great choices as they hold sauce well and provide a delightful bite.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought marinara saves time while still delivering delicious flavor in your Chicken Mozzarella Pasta.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a creamy, cheesy delight that combines tender chicken with rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella. Perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests!
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz fusilli or penne pasta
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping the garlic and gathering everything.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper; sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken and add garlic to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning.
- Return chicken to skillet; simmer for 5 minutes. Add cooked pasta and mix well, topping with mozzarella slices.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer to a baking dish; bake for 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (400g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
