Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe

Looking for a quick, satisfying, and cheesy pasta dish that’s perfect for any night of the week? This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe is a perfect choice! Juicy pieces of chicken, tender pasta, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese come together in a rich tomato-based sauce to create a comforting, family-friendly meal. Plus, it's easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Keep reading to learn how to make this delicious dish and elevate your pasta night!

this Recipes

What is Chicken Mozzarella Pasta?

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a delightful Italian-inspired dish that combines tender chicken breasts, al dente pasta, and melted mozzarella cheese, all tossed in a savory tomato sauce. It’s a quick and easy one-pan dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or even a special weekend meal. The dish offers a balance of rich flavors from the seasoned chicken, the creamy mozzarella, and the acidity of the tomatoes. With just a few staple ingredients, you can create a flavorful pasta dish that everyone will love!

---

Ingredients List for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Chicken Mozzarella Pasta:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing the chicken)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
• ½ cup tomato sauce (or marinara sauce)
• ¼ cup chicken broth (optional, for thinning the sauce)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite short pasta)
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)

---

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe is that it’s easily adaptable to suit your preferences. Here are some common substitutions and variations you can try:

• Chicken: If you don’t have chicken breasts on hand, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier result. For a quicker option, use rotisserie chicken or even leftover cooked chicken.
• Mozzarella Cheese: If mozzarella isn’t available, provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses can be great alternatives. For a lighter version, use part-skim mozzarella.
• Pasta: Use any type of pasta you like! Spaghetti, fettuccine, or even whole-wheat pasta can work well. Gluten-free pasta is also a good option if you need to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes can be used in place of canned. Simply dice them and cook them down until they release their juices. You can also use crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce.
• Add Veggies: Incorporate vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. You can sauté them with the chicken or stir them in with the sauce.
• Make it Creamy: Stir in a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half before adding the cheese for an extra creamy sauce. This creates a luxurious texture that complements the chicken and pasta.

---

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make this mouthwatering Chicken Mozzarella Pasta:

1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Make the tomato sauce: Add the can of diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices. Stir to combine, ensuring the chicken is coated in the sauce.
6. Add the pasta and cheese: Stir the cooked pasta into the skillet, making sure it’s well combined with the sauce and chicken. Then, add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
7. Top with more mozzarella: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes, or until it’s gooey and bubbly.
8. Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Serve hot, and enjoy the cheesy goodness of your Chicken Mozzarella Pasta!

---

How to Cook Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Start with perfectly cooked chicken: Cut your chicken into even bite-sized pieces for consistent cooking. Sauté in olive oil until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. The goal is to get a nice sear on the chicken for added flavor.
2. Make a flavorful tomato sauce: Sauté minced garlic in the same skillet, then add canned diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Simmer the sauce to deepen the flavors. You can adjust the consistency with a bit of chicken broth if needed.
3. Combine pasta and cheese: Stir cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring everything is well coated. Then, mix in shredded mozzarella and Parmesan for a cheesy, creamy texture.
4. Finish with melted mozzarella: Once everything is combined, top the dish with more mozzarella and let it melt for a few minutes. The final result should be a deliciously gooey and cheesy pasta dish!

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the pasta: Make sure to cook your pasta until it’s just al dente. Overcooked pasta will become mushy when mixed with the sauce and chicken.
• Dry chicken: Avoid dry chicken by not overcooking it. Brown it on medium-high heat until just cooked through, but don’t leave it in the pan too long.
• Too thick or thin sauce: If your sauce is too thick, thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or pasta water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.
• Not melting the cheese properly: After adding the mozzarella on top, cover the skillet to help it melt evenly. Make sure the heat is low so the cheese doesn’t overcook or burn.

---

Serving and Presentation Tips

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a one-pot meal that’s filling on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides for a complete meal. Here are some serving ideas:

How to Serve Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

• With a side salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the cheese and pasta.
• Garlic bread: Serve with warm, crispy garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the extra sauce.
• Roasted vegetables: For added nutrition, serve alongside roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
• Wine pairing: A light red wine like Chianti or a crisp white like Pinot Grigio would pair perfectly with this dish.

---

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

• Family-style serving: Serve the pasta directly from the skillet for a rustic, comforting presentation. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.
• Individual servings: Portion out the pasta into bowls or plates, ensuring each serving gets a generous amount of melted cheese on top. Add a sprig of basil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a finished look.
• Plated with sides: Arrange the pasta on one side of the plate and add a small side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced, visually appealing presentation.

---

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe Tips

• Use fresh mozzarella: For the best gooey, stretchy cheese texture, use fresh mozzarella cheese. It melts beautifully and adds a rich creaminess to the dish.
• Save pasta water: Reserve some pasta cooking water and add a splash to the sauce if it needs to be thinned out.
• Make it ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated. Just prepare the pasta and chicken, then add the final layer of mozzarella cheese before reheating in the oven.
• Leftover storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes! Rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken can be used to save time. Simply shred

or dice the chicken and add it to the sauce after it has simmered.

Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Just substitute the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Q: Can I freeze Chicken Mozzarella Pasta?
A: Yes, this dish freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.

Q: How do I make this dish vegetarian?
A: You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.

---

Conclusion

This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe is a delicious and easy dinner idea that’s perfect for any night of the week. With tender chicken, gooey mozzarella, and a savory tomato sauce, it’s a family-friendly meal that’s sure to please. Plus, it’s versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences. Give this recipe a try, and get ready to enjoy a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal!

Print