Looking to impress your friends and family with an easy-to-make, yet deliciously rich dish? This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe is your go-to! It's a perfect combination of tender chicken, creamy melted mozzarella, and perfectly cooked pasta, all tossed in a savory tomato sauce. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or simply want a delightful dinner, this recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds. Keep reading to get all the details on how to make this mouthwatering dish!
What is Chicken Mozzarella Pasta?
Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a hearty and comforting dish that combines juicy chicken breast, melted mozzarella cheese, and al dente pasta in a rich tomato-based sauce. This dish is perfect for those who love the fusion of cheesy goodness and savory pasta. It offers a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy enough to make at home, perfect for weeknight dinners or even special gatherings.
Ingredients List for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
To make the perfect Chicken Mozzarella Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) penne pasta or any pasta of your choice
- Salt for pasta water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, to prevent sticking)
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
For the Topping:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Substitutions and Variations
While this recipe is delicious as written, there are a few substitutions and variations you can try:
- Gluten-free pasta: If you're avoiding gluten, swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety.
- Whole wheat pasta: For a healthier twist, use whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta.
- Vegetarian option: Skip the chicken and add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for a vegetarian-friendly dish.
- Spicy version: Add more red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to give the dish a spicy kick.
- Cheese variations: While mozzarella is the star, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even gouda for a different flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Ready to dive into making this delicious Chicken Mozzarella Pasta? Follow these easy steps to ensure your dish turns out perfect every time.
How to Cook Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to cool slightly before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set it aside. You can toss the pasta with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the heavy cream or whole milk and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan over the top of the pasta.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and gooey.
- If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves for an added pop of color and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is fairly straightforward, but here are a few common mistakes to avoid to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time:
- Overcooking the pasta: Pasta should be cooked al dente, which means it should have a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and won't hold up as well in the sauce.
- Not seasoning the chicken: Chicken can be bland without proper seasoning. Make sure to generously season both sides for maximum flavor.
- Burning the garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, especially in hot oil. Cook it for just 30 seconds until fragrant, then proceed with the recipe.
- Skipping the pasta water: The reserved pasta water is full of starch and can help bind the sauce to the pasta. Don't skip it if your sauce needs a little extra liquid.
Serving and Presentation Tips
A great dish deserves an equally great presentation! Here are a few serving and presentation tips to elevate your Chicken Mozzarella Pasta:
How to Serve Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
- Serve this dish family-style, placing the skillet or serving dish directly on the table so everyone can help themselves.
- For individual servings, plate the pasta in shallow bowls or plates, making sure to include a good balance of chicken, pasta, and sauce in each portion.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a few basil leaves for a touch of color and freshness.
Presentation Ideas for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
- Sprinkle a bit of extra red pepper flakes or freshly cracked black pepper on top for a rustic, finished look.
- For a more elegant presentation, use freshly grated Parmesan and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad to complete the meal.
Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe Tips
To ensure your Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is absolutely delicious, follow these additional tips:
- Use fresh mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella melts better and provides a creamier texture compared to pre-shredded mozzarella.
- Adjust the sauce consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer. If it gets too thick, thin it out with pasta water.
- Make it ahead: You can make the sauce and cook the chicken in advance, then combine everything with freshly cooked pasta when you're ready to serve.
- Double the recipe: This dish is perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd, so don’t hesitate to double the recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and will work just as well in this recipe. Just make sure they're boneless and cook them thoroughly.
Q: Can I freeze Chicken Mozzarella Pasta?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked pasta and chicken. However, the texture of the pasta may change slightly after freezing and reheating. It's best to freeze it without the mozzarella topping and add fresh cheese after reheating.
Q: Can I make this dish in advance?
A: Yes, you can make the sauce and chicken ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, cook the pasta fresh and combine everything.
Q: What side dishes go well with Chicken Mozzarella Pasta?
A: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus pair well with this pasta dish.
Conclusion
Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that is sure to become a favorite in your household. Its combination of tender chicken, creamy mozzarella, and rich tomato sauce over perfectly cooked pasta makes it an irresistible dish for any occasion. Whether you're cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it today, and don't forget to experiment with the variations and tips to make it your own!
PrintChicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe
This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe combines tender chicken, creamy mozzarella, and a rich tomato sauce for a satisfying meal. Easy to prepare, it's the perfect pasta dish for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cubed chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Stir in the cooked pasta and mozzarella cheese, letting the cheese melt and coat the pasta evenly.
- Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute grilled chicken or use leftover chicken for a quicker meal.
- Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
Leave a Reply