As I stood in my kitchen, the aroma of sizzling garlic and melting mozzarella wafted through the air, making my stomach growl louder than my morning alarm. This Easy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is like a warm hug from your grandma, but without the awkward family stories. Imagine tender chicken pieces mingling with perfectly cooked pasta, all wrapped in a gooey mozzarella blanket—what’s not to love? For more inspiration, check out this Cheesy Mushroom Chicken Alfredo Lasagna recipe.
This dish has the uncanny ability to transform an ordinary weekday dinner into a mini celebration. Whether it’s a bustling weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering, this recipe promises to be the culinary equivalent of a standing ovation from your taste buds. Get ready for an unforgettable flavor experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Easy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta makes meal prep simple while delivering delightful flavors
- The vibrant colors and cheesy goodness make it visually appealing on any table
- Its versatility allows you to swap ingredients based on what you have on hand
- Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests!
I first made this Easy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta during a chaotic week when every meal felt like a race against time. quick chicken skillet meal My friends devoured it in minutes, and the smiles on their faces said it all.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts; adjust according to how many people you’re feeding.
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Pasta of Your Choice: Penne or fusilli works well; choose your favorite for added flair.
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Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for fresh mozzarella for that creamy texture; it’s worth the extra mile.
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Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds depth; choose firm cloves for the best flavor.
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Canned Diced Tomatoes: Go for fire-roasted tomatoes if you want an extra kick.
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Olive Oil: A splash of good-quality olive oil enhances flavor; don’t skimp here!
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Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs elevates the dish; feel free to use fresh herbs too.
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Salt and Pepper: Always essential for seasoning; adjust to your taste.
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Parmesan Cheese (optional): Grated parmesan can add an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preparing Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic until it’s finely chopped. Set everything aside so you’re ready to rock.
Cooking the Chicken: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Sautéing Garlic and Tomatoes: Toss in minced garlic once the chicken is done cooking. Sauté until fragrant, which should take about 30 seconds—don’t let it burn! Then, add canned diced tomatoes and stir well.
Cooking Your Pasta: While your sauce simmers, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. homemade pesto sauce Don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining!
Merging Flavors Together: Combine cooked pasta with the chicken-tomato mixture in the skillet. If things look dry, slowly mix in reserved pasta water until everything is beautifully coated.
Add That Cheesy Goodness!: Top your pasta with torn pieces of fresh mozzarella cheese. cheesy baked pasta dish Cover it and let it sit on low heat until the cheese melts into gooey perfection—about 3-5 minutes will do!
Now you’ve got yourself a bubbling pot of Easy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta that looks as good as it smells! Serve it hot with grated Parmesan sprinkled on top if you’re feeling fancy.
Enjoy this dish as part of family dinners or casual gatherings with friends—it’ll quickly become everyone’s favorite go-to recipe!
You Must Know
- Easy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a delightful blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and tender chicken
- This dish not only satisfies your cravings but also brings a hint of elegance to your dinner table
- With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a comforting meal that feels fancy without the fuss
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To make cooking efficient, start by searing the chicken first. While it’s browning, cook the pasta and prepare the sauce simultaneously for seamless results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out mozzarella for provolone or add veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. Experiment with seasonings for extra flavor!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to keep it creamy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
Sharing this recipe always brings smiles; my friends rave about how creamy and delicious it is, making me feel like a culinary rock star at every gathering. creamy carbonara recipe.
FAQ
What can I substitute for chicken in this recipe?
You can use shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Can I make Easy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, prepare everything up until baking and refrigerate until ready to cook.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook pasta al dente and mix it with the sauce just before serving for best texture.
Easy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Easy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta, a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, gooey mozzarella, and perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe transforms a simple weeknight dinner into a crowd-pleasing meal, perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home. With vibrant colors and rich flavors, it’s an effortless way to impress your loved ones!
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince garlic.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and add chicken. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked (6-8 minutes).
- Add minced garlic to the skillet; sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in canned diced tomatoes.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Combine cooked pasta with the chicken-tomato mixture in the skillet. If needed, add reserved pasta water for better consistency.
- Top with torn mozzarella pieces and cover until melted (3-5 minutes). Serve hot with optional grated Parmesan on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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