Easy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe: Dreamy Italian Comfort

Crafting a delectable chicken mozzarella pasta sparks pure culinary excitement in my kitchen.

Melted cheese streams between tender pasta strands, creating magic with each forkful.

Succulent chicken pieces nestle perfectly among al dente noodles, promising incredible flavor depth.

Mediterranean influences dance through this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Soft mozzarella creates luxurious creaminess that melts hearts alongside steaming plates.

Quick preparation meets restaurant-quality results, making dinner feel like a gourmet celebration.

Savor every bite and watch magic unfold on your plate.

Everything in Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

• Pasta: A key component that serves as the hearty base of this delicious chicken dish.
• Chicken: Protein-packed cubes that provide a satisfying and filling element to the recipe.
• Mozzarella: Creamy cheese that melts beautifully and adds rich, smooth texture to the pasta.

• Garlic, Italian Seasoning: Ingredients that create a flavorful and aromatic profile for the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken and pasta.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Fresh Basil: Bright and fresh elements that add color, flavor, and a touch of freshness to the final dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional topping that provides a sharp and salty finish to the pasta.

• Olive Oil: Used to cook the chicken and create a smooth base for sautéing other ingredients.

How to Make Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Get a big pot and fill it with water.

Sprinkle some salt into the water.

Wait for the water to bubble and dance with excitement.

Drop the pasta into the boiling water and let it swim around until it’s tender but still has a little bite.

Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside, ready for its next adventure.

Step 2: Transform Chicken into Golden Delights

Grab a large skillet and warm up some olive oil.

• Salt
• Black pepper

Toss the chicken into the hot skillet and let it sizzle and turn golden brown.

Cook until each piece is thoroughly done and has a beautiful crispy exterior.

Once cooked, scoop out the chicken and let it rest.

Step 3: Wake Up Garlic and Tomatoes

Use the same skillet where the chicken danced.

Toss in minced garlic and let it release its magical aroma.

After about a minute, add cherry tomatoes and watch them soften and become juicy.

Let them mingle and create a delicious base.

Step 4: Create Flavor Symphony

Reunite the cooked chicken with the garlic and tomato party.

Add the pasta and sprinkle in Italian seasoning.

Drop chunks of fresh mozzarella into the mix.

Stir everything together so each ingredient gets to know its neighbors.

Let the heat work its magic until the cheese starts melting and coating everything.

Step 5: Serve with Flair

Scatter some fresh basil leaves on top.

If you’re feeling extra fancy, shower the dish with grated Parmesan.

Serve immediately while everything is warm and inviting.

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Cooking Tips

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe, juicy results.
• Salt the boiling water generously to infuse the pasta with seasoning before adding it to the skillet.
• Let the mozzarella sit for a minute after adding to create those delicious, stretchy cheese pulls that make the dish irresistible.
• Gently press cherry tomatoes while cooking to release their natural juices and intensify the sauce's flavor profile.
• Chop basil leaves just before serving to preserve their vibrant color and maximize the fresh, aromatic essence of the dish.

Storing Chicken Mozzarella Pasta the Right Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Pairing Picks

• Savor Wine Harmony: A crisp Pinot Grigio perfectly complements the chicken mozzarella pasta's light, creamy texture, cutting through the richness with its bright acidity.
• Elevate Side Salad: Create a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's richness, adding a fresh, peppery contrast that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Bread Pairing Magic: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread alongside the pasta to soak up the delicious sauce, providing a crunchy texture that beautifully matches the soft pasta and melted mozzarella.
• Refreshing Beverage Boost: Choose a chilled sparkling water with a slice of lemon to cleanse the palate between bites, offering a light and refreshing counterpoint to the dish's creamy elements.

Fresh Variations on Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

• Vegetarian Pasta Swap: Replace chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms or crispy tofu cubes for a plant-based protein alternative that maintains the dish's hearty texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities while keeping the original flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to reduce carbohydrate content and create a lighter, vegetable-forward version of the recipe.
• Spicy Mediterranean Version: Add red pepper flakes, kalamata olives, and extra herbs like oregano to transform the dish into a more intense, flavor-packed Mediterranean-style meal.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are great choices because they hold sauce well and create perfect bite-sized pieces with chicken and mozzarella.

• Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken can save time and still deliver delicious results. Just make sure the chicken is heated thoroughly when combining with other ingredients.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, reduce cheese quantity, add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini, and choose skinless chicken breast to lower calories and increase nutritional value.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! This chicken mozzarella pasta reheats well and stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Store in an airtight container and gently reheat in microwave or skillet.

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Overview

• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping chicken with shrimp, adding extra vegetables, or experimenting with different herbs to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Minimize cleanup and maximize convenience with this streamlined recipe that combines all ingredients in a single pan, making it an ideal solution for home cooks seeking efficiency and minimal dish washing.
• Delight family and friends with a classic combination of tender chicken, melty mozzarella, and juicy tomatoes that creates a universally appealing dish everyone will love and request again.

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory chicken mozzarella pasta brings Italian comfort to your dinner table with creamy, melted cheese and tender chicken. Delightful flavors blend seamlessly, promising a satisfying meal that whisks you straight to a charming trattoria.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 boneless chicken breasts, cubed
• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne or fusilli pasta

Fresh Produce and Dairy:

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Seasonings and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a rolling boil. Submerge pasta and cook until it reaches the perfect al dente texture, typically 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain and reserve.
2. Select a spacious skillet and warm olive oil over medium-high heat. Generously season chicken cubes with aromatic salt and cracked pepper. Sear chicken pieces until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, approximately 6-7 minutes, ensuring no pink remains.
3. In the same skillet, introduce minced garlic, releasing its fragrant essence for roughly 60 seconds. Immediately incorporate halved cherry tomatoes, allowing them to soften and caramelize for 3-4 minutes, creating a vibrant base.
4. Reunite the perfectly cooked chicken with the skillet’s aromatic mixture. Gently fold in the prepared pasta, sprinkle Italian seasoning, and distribute luscious mozzarella pieces throughout. Toss ingredients methodically, ensuring even heat distribution and cheese melting for 2-3 minutes.
5. Transfer the steaming creation to serving plates. Embellish with delicate fresh basil leaves and optional Parmesan cheese shavings. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Use high-quality mozzarella for a creamy, rich texture that melts beautifully and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee food safety while maintaining juicy, tender meat.
• For a lighter version, swap regular pasta with whole wheat or zucchini noodles and use reduced-fat mozzarella to cut down on calories.
• Customize the recipe by adding spinach, bell peppers, or red pepper flakes for extra nutrition and a spicy kick that elevates the taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg