Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe

Looking for a comforting yet easy dinner recipe to whip up in a flash? Look no further than this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta. This dish combines tender chunks of chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, melted mozzarella cheese, and a savory tomato sauce into one irresistible meal that your family will love. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this dish promises to be a hit. Stick around as we dive into the details of how to make this delicious, cheesy pasta from scratch!

What is "Chicken Mozzarella Pasta"?

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a classic Italian-inspired dish that brings together some of the best comfort food ingredients—pasta, juicy chicken, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of gooey melted mozzarella cheese. The chicken is sautéed to perfection and combined with a flavorful marinara or tomato-based sauce, tossed with al dente pasta, and topped with cheese, which melts into a glorious, bubbly finish. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or even meal prep, offering a well-balanced and crowd-pleasing meal in less than 30 minutes.

Ingredients List for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

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

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce or marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Substitutions and Variations

Here are some substitution options and variations you can try with this recipe:

• Pasta Variations: While this recipe calls for penne or rigatoni, you can swap it with any other pasta you have on hand, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier alternative.
• Cheese Options: Mozzarella is the star here, but you can also experiment with different cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even a bit of sharp cheddar for extra flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken entirely and add vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Alternatively, replace the chicken with plant-based meat substitutes.
• Protein Substitutes: If you don’t have chicken breasts, you can easily use chicken thighs or even cooked sausage for a different take.
• Creamy Version: For a creamier version of this dish, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or cream cheese towards the end of cooking. This will add a rich, velvety texture to the sauce.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cooking Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is quick and simple. Here’s how to make it:

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for about 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant and softened.
4. Make the Sauce: Add the tomato sauce to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
5. Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until the chicken and pasta are well-coated with the sauce.
6. Add the Mozzarella: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet and allow the cheese to melt over low heat, about 3-5 minutes.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once the mozzarella is melted and gooey, remove from heat. Sprinkle fresh basil and grated Parmesan on top before serving for extra flavor.

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

1. Step 1: Boil the Pasta
   Start by cooking the pasta in a pot of salted boiling water. The key to perfect pasta is to cook it until al dente (firm to the bite), so be sure to follow the package instructions. Once done, drain and set the pasta aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
2. Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
   Heat olive oil in a skillet, season the chicken with salt and pepper, and cook it until golden brown. Cooking the chicken over medium-high heat ensures that it gets a nice, crispy exterior while staying juicy on the inside.
3. Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
   After removing the chicken, use the same skillet to sauté the onions and garlic. The residual chicken flavor adds depth to the aromatics, giving your sauce extra richness.
4. Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
   Once the onions and garlic are soft, add the tomato sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Add seasonings like Italian herbs, and if you like a bit of heat, red pepper flakes.
5. Step 5: Combine and Add Cheese
   Return the chicken to the skillet, toss with the pasta, and then sprinkle mozzarella over the top. Cover the skillet so the cheese melts beautifully over the pasta.
6. Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy
   Before serving, add a touch of fresh basil and Parmesan for an added burst of flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken. Once it turns golden brown and is no longer pink inside, it’s done. Overcooked chicken can become dry and rubbery.
• Undercooking the Pasta: Make sure to cook your pasta until al dente. Overcooked pasta will become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
• Not Melting the Cheese Properly: Don’t rush the step where the mozzarella melts. Allow it to gently melt by covering the skillet and lowering the heat to avoid burning the bottom of the dish.

Serving and Presentation Tips

The way you serve and present your Chicken Mozzarella Pasta can elevate the entire dining experience. Here are some ideas to make your dish look as good as it tastes:

1. Family-Style Serving: Serve this dish straight from the skillet to the table for a casual, family-style meal. The melted cheese and vibrant red sauce make it look mouthwatering.
2. Individual Plates: For a more elegant presentation, plate individual portions and sprinkle each with fresh basil, Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil. You could even add a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
3. Toppings for Extra Flair: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added color. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper or a dollop of ricotta cheese can also elevate the dish.

How to Serve Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

• Main Dish: Serve this cheesy, chicken-filled pasta as the main course. It pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables.
• Accompaniments: Offer garlic bread, breadsticks, or a side of bruschetta for some extra crunch and texture.
• Potluck Favorite: This recipe is perfect for potlucks and gatherings because it can be easily doubled, and it’s a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

• Rustic Style: Serve the pasta in a large, rustic bowl with a serving spoon for a casual, cozy dinner.
• Elegant Plating: Plate the pasta in wide, shallow bowls, topping each with a fresh basil leaf and a few shavings of Parmesan for a refined presentation.

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe Tips

• Prep Ahead: You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, just cook the pasta and assemble everything.
• Leftovers: This pasta stores well and can be reheated for lunch or dinner the next day. Just warm it up in the microwave or in a skillet.
• More Vegetables: For added nutrition, throw in some spinach, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes when cooking the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, if you have pre-cooked chicken, like rotisserie chicken, you can skip the step of cooking the chicken and simply add it to the sauce during the simmering stage.

Q: What other types of cheese can I use?
A: While mozzarella is classic, you can use provolone, fontina, or even gouda for a unique flavor twist.

Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
A: To add heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or drizzle some hot sauce over the finished dish.

Conclusion

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a simple, flavorful, and satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. With juicy chicken, melty mozzarella, and perfectly cooked pasta coated in a rich tomato sauce, this dish will quickly become a go-to in your household. The best part? It’s versatile, easy to customize, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or impressing guests at a dinner party, this recipe has you covered. Try it today and enjoy the delicious flavors of Italy from the comfort of your own kitchen!

Print