If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that the entire family will love, this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is the perfect option. This recipe brings together tender chicken, a rich tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta for a delicious dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal on the table in no time. Read on to discover how you can make this irresistible Chicken Mozzarella Pasta!
What Is Chicken Mozzarella Pasta?
Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breast with pasta in a savory tomato sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese. The dish is a family-friendly favorite because it's simple to make, uses common pantry ingredients, and delivers a delicious, cheesy, and comforting meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this pasta dish will soon become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
Ingredients List for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make Chicken Mozzarella Pasta:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite shape)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Ingredients List (Optional Add-ons or Variations)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for extra cheesiness)
- ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (for a tangy twist)
- ½ cup baby spinach (for added greens)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (to add depth to the tomato sauce)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a smoky flavor)
Substitutions and Variations
This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some substitution ideas:
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian pasta.
- Gluten-Free Version: Simply use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Vegan Version: Substitute the chicken with tofu or a plant-based meat alternative, use dairy-free mozzarella, and replace the cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Pasta Choices: While penne or fusilli are great choices, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as rigatoni, farfalle, or spaghetti.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breast and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
Step 4: Make the Tomato Sauce
To the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine, and then lower the heat to simmer. Let the sauce cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Add the Cream and Mozzarella
Once the tomato sauce has simmered and thickened slightly, stir in the heavy cream and half of the shredded mozzarella. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring until the cheese has melted into the sauce and the mixture is creamy.
Step 6: Combine the Chicken and Pasta
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed.
Step 7: Top with Mozzarella and Broil
Transfer the chicken and pasta mixture to an oven-safe baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye to avoid burning the cheese.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese has melted, remove the dish from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve hot.
How to Cook Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a recap of how to make this easy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe:
- Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté onions and garlic in the same skillet.
- Simmer the tomato sauce with cream and mozzarella cheese.
- Combine the chicken and pasta with the sauce, then top with mozzarella cheese.
- Broil until bubbly, garnish with basil, and serve hot!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough. Make sure to remove it from the skillet as soon as it's cooked through.
- Undercooking the Pasta: Make sure the pasta is cooked al dente so it holds its shape when combined with the sauce. If the pasta is too soft, it may become mushy after mixing with the sauce.
- Skipping the Broiler: The final step of broiling the mozzarella cheese adds a delicious, bubbly, golden topping that takes this dish to the next level. Don’t skip it!
- Using Too Much Salt: Be mindful of the amount of salt you add, especially if you’re using pre-seasoned tomatoes or broth. Taste the sauce before adding additional salt.
Serving and Presentation Tips
To make this dish even more enticing, here are a few simple serving and presentation tips:
- Family-Style Serving: Serve the pasta straight from the oven-safe dish at the center of the table for a cozy, family-style dinner.
- Individual Plates: If you prefer a more formal presentation, serve individual portions on plates, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil and an extra drizzle of olive oil.
- Accompaniments: Pair the pasta with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad to complete the meal.
How to Serve Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a filling dish that works perfectly as a main course. To serve, simply scoop generous portions of the cheesy pasta onto plates and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. For a complete meal, serve alongside a crisp Caesar salad or a loaf of warm, crusty garlic bread.
Presentation Ideas for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
To elevate the presentation of your Chicken Mozzarella Pasta:
- Use a colorful baking dish to serve the pasta directly from the oven to the table.
- Garnish generously with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on the side for guests to sprinkle on top as they like.
Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe Tips
Here are a few additional tips to make sure your Chicken Mozzarella Pasta turns out perfectly every time:
- Use Fresh Mozzarella: If you want an extra gooey, cheesy texture, opt for fresh mozzarella instead of pre-shredded mozzarella.
- Don’t Rush the Sauce: Letting the tomato sauce simmer allows the flavors to develop and intensify, so don’t rush this step.
- Add Spinach: For a boost of nutrition, add a handful of fresh spinach to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. The spinach will wilt quickly and blend into the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use other types of cheese?
A: Yes, feel free to use other cheeses like provolone, Parmesan, or even cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the pasta, chicken, and sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. When you're ready to serve, top it with mozzarella and broil until the cheese is melted.
Q: Can I freeze Chicken Mozzarella Pasta?
A: Yes, this dish freezes well. Simply store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
Q: What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
A: Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work best because they hold the sauce well. However, you can use any pasta shape you prefer.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A: Definitely! Vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms make great additions to this dish and can increase its nutritional value.
Conclusion
This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe is a comforting, cheesy, and delicious meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its rich tomato sauce, tender chicken, and gooey mozzarella cheese, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this pasta will satisfy your cravings for something hearty and flavorful. Give it a try tonight, and enjoy a delightful meal that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly tasty!
PrintChicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe
Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a cheesy, creamy delight made with tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and mozzarella, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal. Customize with optional add-ins like sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or preferred shape)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Optional Add-ons/Variations:
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- ½ cup baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cubed chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned.
- Add onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Lower heat and add heavy cream or half-and-half, stirring to combine.
- Toss in cooked pasta and mozzarella cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted.
- Serve with fresh basil garnish and optional Parmesan or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Notes
- Use baby spinach for a healthier version or add sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.
- Swap cream for half-and-half to lighten the dish without sacrificing creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of dish
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
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