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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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