Delicious Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe for Comfort Food

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When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? Perhaps a steaming bowl of Chicken Mozzarella Pasta, drizzled with rich, velvety sauce and topped with gooey, melted cheese. Picture yourself twirling those perfectly cooked pasta noodles around your fork while the aroma of garlic and fresh herbs fills the air. It’s the type of dish that makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a warm blanket after a long day.

Jump to:

Now let me take you back to my college days when I first discovered this gem. I was broke and starving, living off ramen noodles and questionable pizza deliveries. One evening, armed with just a few ingredients from my pantry, I stumbled upon this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe. The joy of transforming simple chicken and pasta into something magical made me feel like a culinary wizard! This dish quickly became my go-to comfort food for study nights, impromptu gatherings, or even when I needed a pick-me-up.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor that will have your taste buds dancing
  • Its vibrant colors and cheesy goodness make it visually appealing on any dinner table
  • You can customize the ingredients based on your preferences or what’s in your pantry
  • Perfect for weeknight dinners but fancy enough for entertaining guests

Ingredients for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work best; adjust depending on how many you’re feeding or if you’re really hungry.

  • Pasta: Use any pasta shape you love; penne or fettuccine are great choices for holding onto that creamy sauce.

  • Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for maximum flavor—nothing beats the smell of sautéing garlic in olive oil.

  • Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and depth to the dish.

  • Cherry Tomatoes: These sweet little gems burst with flavor when cooked; they add both color and taste.

For the Sauce:

  • Heavy Cream: This is where the magic happens; it transforms everything into lusciousness—use full-fat for the best results.

  • Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella gives that gooey texture we all crave; shred it yourself if you can!

  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings all the flavors together—think oregano, basil, and thyme.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe

How to Make Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe

Let’s get cooking!

Preparing the Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Sear each side until golden brown—about five minutes per side—then remove them from the pan.

Cooking the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining—the starch will help thicken your sauce later.

Sautéing Aromatics: In the same skillet used for chicken, add minced garlic and cherry tomatoes. Sauté until fragrant and tomatoes start bursting open (about three minutes). Your kitchen will smell divine!

Making the Sauce: Pour heavy cream into the skillet and stir well to incorporate it with garlic and tomatoes. Allow it to simmer slightly until thickened—a couple of minutes will do.

Combining Ingredients: Slice your cooked chicken into strips before adding it back into the skillet along with drained pasta. Toss everything together gently while adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.

Finishing Touches: Fold in shredded mozzarella cheese until it melts seamlessly into your pasta mix. Let everything hang out on low heat for a minute—this allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Serving Up: Serve hot with extra mozzarella on top if desired! Feel free to garnish with fresh basil leaves or grated Parmesan cheese because why not? Enjoy every cheesy bite!

And there you have it! Your delightful Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is ready to impress friends or just treat yourself after an exhausting day. Happy eating!

You Must Know

  • This amazing Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe combines rich flavors and creamy textures, making it a delightful meal for any occasion
  • It’s quick to prepare and sure to impress your family or guests
  • Perfect for busy weeknights but elegant enough for special dinners

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first until golden brown, then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy sauce. This method ensures everything is ready at the same time, maximizing flavor and minimizing stress. Trust me, your dinner table will thank you.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or add veggies like spinach or bell peppers to amp up the nutrition. Experiment with different cheeses like gouda or parmesan for a unique twist on this classic Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to loosen up the sauce.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Always allow your chicken to rest before slicing to keep it juicy and tender
  • Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture that melts beautifully
  • Don’t forget to taste as you go; seasoning is key to elevating your dish!

Sometimes I can still hear my uncle’s laughter echoing through the kitchen when I first made this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe for family dinner. His praise was sweeter than any dessert!

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe?

For the Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe, you will need boneless chicken breasts, mozzarella cheese, pasta of your choice, garlic, olive oil, diced tomatoes, fresh basil, salt, and pepper. These ingredients combine to create a delicious dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. You can customize the recipe by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

How long does it take to prepare the Chicken Mozzarella Pasta?

The preparation time for the Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe is approximately 15 minutes. Cooking time varies depending on the type of pasta used, but typically it will take around 20 minutes to cook everything together. This means you can have a delicious meal ready in about 35 minutes! This makes it a great option for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet flavorful.

Can I make Chicken Mozzarella Pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Chicken Mozzarella Pasta ahead of time. To do this, cook the pasta and chicken as directed in the recipe. Allow them to cool before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the dish on the stove or in the microwave. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or leftovers!

What variations can I try with this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe?

There are many delicious variations you can try with the Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or sauté some chili peppers along with garlic. If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in some heavy cream or cream cheese before serving. You could also substitute grilled shrimp or sausage for chicken to switch up the flavors while keeping it simple and tasty.

Conclusion for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe:

In summary, the Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe is a quick and easy dish that offers great flavor and versatility. With simple ingredients like chicken, mozzarella cheese, and pasta, you can create a satisfying meal in under 40 minutes. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at your table! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Chicken Mozzarella Pasta


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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that brings together juicy chicken, creamy mozzarella, and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, aromatic sauce. This one-pan dish is not only simple to prepare but also bursting with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or special gatherings. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
  • 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear chicken until golden brown (about 5 minutes per side). Remove from skillet.
  2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente; reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and cherry tomatoes for about 3 minutes until fragrant and tomatoes begin to burst.
  4. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Slice cooked chicken and add back into the skillet along with drained pasta. Toss gently while adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired sauce consistency.
  6. Stir in shredded mozzarella cheese until melted. Serve hot topped with extra mozzarella if desired.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 380g)
  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg

 

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