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Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe

4.8 from 29 reviews

A creamy and cheesy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe featuring tender chicken breast, al dente pasta, and a rich tomato-cream sauce infused with Italian herbs and garlic. This comforting dish is topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese and garnished with fresh basil for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 300 g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Pasta

  • 300 g pasta (penne or your choice)

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish & Optional

  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Boil salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes: Pour crushed tomatoes into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
  5. Stir in cream: Add heavy cream to the tomato sauce and simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
  6. Return chicken: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to coat it well with the creamy sauce.
  7. Toss pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything together so the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
  8. Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top. Stir the pasta gently until the cheeses melt and the sauce turns creamy and cheesy.
  9. Garnish and season: Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and add red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.
  10. Serve hot: Plate the pasta while warm and enjoy your delicious and comforting Chicken Mozzarella Pasta!

Notes

  • Use penne or any pasta shape that holds sauce well.
  • Adjust seasoning to your taste, adding more herbs or pepper flakes if desired.
  • Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter version, but sauce may be less rich.
  • For a lower-fat option, use part-skim mozzarella and reduce olive oil slightly.
  • Fresh basil can be replaced with fresh parsley if preferred.
  • Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture holds up better in the sauce.
  • Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken pasta, mozzarella pasta, creamy tomato pasta, Italian chicken recipe, cheesy pasta dish