Nothing beats the comfort of a steaming bowl of chicken mozzarella pasta recipe that brings the whole family together around the dinner table. This incredible dish combines tender, juicy boneless chicken breast with gooey shredded mozzarella cheese and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, creamy sauce that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
I've been making this chicken mozzarella pasta recipe for years, and it never fails to impress both my family and dinner guests. Whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick weeknight solution or someone who loves creating restaurant-quality meals at home, this chicken mozzarella pasta recipe delivers amazing flavors in just 30 minutes with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Why This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe Stands Out From The Rest
This particular chicken mozzarella pasta recipe has become a household favorite because it perfectly balances simplicity with incredible taste. Unlike other complicated pasta dishes that require hours of preparation, this recipe uses smart cooking techniques like pan-seared chicken and a one-pot method that saves both time and cleanup.
What makes this chicken mozzarella pasta recipe truly special is how the melted mozzarella creates those beautiful cheese pulls that Instagram dreams are made of, while the sautéed chicken stays incredibly tender and flavorful. The combination of fresh basil leaves, cherry tomatoes, and garlic cloves creates a perfect Italian-inspired flavor profile that tastes like it came straight from a cozy trattoria in Italy.
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Ingredients
- Boneless chicken breast
- Penne pasta (or fettuccine)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Cherry tomatoes
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Aromatics:
- Salt and black pepper
- Garlic cloves
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken and Pasta Base
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
- Add chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through
- Remove chicken and set aside on a plate
- In the same pan, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant
Create the Creamy Sauce Foundation
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic
- Add cherry tomatoes and let them soften for 2-3 minutes
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally
- Season with salt, pepper, and remaining Italian seasoning
- Let the sauce reduce slightly for about 3-4 minutes
Cook and Combine the Pasta
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining
- Add the cooked pasta directly to the creamy sauce
- Toss everything together, adding pasta water if needed for consistency
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix gently
Add the Cheese and Finish
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed
- Remove the skillet from heat to prevent the cheese from becoming stringy
- Gradually add shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring constantly
- Sprinkle in parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves
- Toss everything until the cheese is melted and creamy
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Pasta Base
Sear chicken until golden and cook pasta until al dente.
- Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce Foundation
Simmer cream and tomatoes to form a rich base.
- Step 3: Cook and Combine the Pasta
Stir pasta and chicken into the sauce until coated.
- Step 4: Add the Cheese and Finish
Stir in mozzarella and basil off-heat until melted.
Expert Cooking Tips
Temperature Control Secrets
- Keep your heat at medium to prevent the cream from breaking or the cheese from becoming grainy. When adding mozzarella, always remove the pan from heat first; this ensures smooth, creamy melting without any lumps or separation.
Chicken Perfection Techniques
- Don't overcrowd the chicken in the pan; cook in batches if necessary
- Let the chicken develop a golden crust before flipping for maximum flavor
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Slice chicken against the grain for the most tender bites
Pasta Cooking Mastery
- Cook your pasta just until al dente since it will continue cooking when mixed with the hot sauce. Always reserve some pasta water; its starch content helps bind the sauce beautifully to the noodles.
Cheese Melting Magic
- Room temperature cheese melts more evenly than cold cheese straight from the fridge. Add cheese gradually and stir constantly to prevent clumping and ensure that perfect creamy texture.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Dietary Modifications
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour. Greek yogurt can also work as a healthier alternative, but add it off the heat to prevent curdling.
Protein Alternatives
- Turkey breast works beautifully as a chicken substitute
- Shrimp creates an elegant seafood version; cook for just 2-3 minutes
- For vegetarians, try grilled eggplant or mushrooms
- Leftover rotisserie chicken saves time; just add it during the final step
Cheese Variations
- While mozzarella is the star, you can experiment with different cheese combinations. Try adding fontina for extra creaminess, or provolone for a sharper flavor. Ricotta creates a lighter, fluffier texture when mixed in at the end.
Vegetable Additions
- Sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or steamed broccoli make excellent additions. For extra nutrition, fold in some fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking; it wilts perfectly without overcooking.
Equipment Recommendations
Essential Cookware
- A large, heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan is crucial for even heat distribution when making this chicken mozzarella pasta recipe. The wide surface area allows proper searing of the chicken and prevents crowding.
Helpful Tools
- Sharp chef's knife for clean chicken cuts
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Fine-mesh strainer for draining
- Wooden spoon for gentle stirring
- Measuring cups for accurate cream portions
- Cheese grater for fresh parmesan
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover pasta in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The cream sauce may thicken when cold, but it reheats beautifully with a splash of milk or pasta water.
Freezing Instructions
- While cream-based pasta doesn't freeze as well as tomato-based dishes, you can freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with additional cream if needed.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the chicken and prepare the sauce base up to 2 days ahead. Store separately and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve. This method maintains the best texture and prevents the pasta from becoming mushy.for X days/weeks/months.
Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
Here's the game-changing secret my Italian grandmother taught me about making the perfect chicken mozzarella pasta recipe: always finish your dish with a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. This simple addition brightens all the flavors and adds a professional restaurant touch that will have everyone asking for your secret.
The second secret involves timing; let your completed chicken mozzarella pasta recipe rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, and the sauce thickens just enough to coat each piece of pasta perfectly without being too heavy.
FAQ
Do chicken and mozzarella go together?
Absolutely! Chicken and mozzarella are a classic Italian pairing that creates perfect harmony in any chicken mozzarella pasta recipe. The mild, creamy cheese complements the savory chicken without overpowering its natural flavors.
Will mozzarella cheese melt in pasta?
Yes, mozzarella melts beautifully in hot pasta dishes. The key is removing the pan from heat before adding the cheese and stirring gently to create that perfect creamy texture in your chicken mozzarella pasta recipe.
Why is it called "marry me pasta"?
This nickname comes from the idea that the dish is so delicious, it might inspire a marriage proposal! The rich, comforting flavors create an unforgettable dining experience that brings people together.
Do mozzarella and pasta go together?
Mozzarella and pasta are a match made in heaven. The cheese's creamy texture and mild flavor enhance pasta dishes without competing with other ingredients, making it perfect for any chicken mozzarella pasta recipe.
The Perfect Ending to Your Pasta Journey
This chicken mozzarella pasta recipe is the ultimate proof that weeknight dinners can be both easy and exciting. With just a few pantry staples, this chicken mozzarella pasta recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and tastes like it came straight from a cozy Italian restaurant. Whether you're cooking for picky eaters or entertaining guests, this chicken mozzarella pasta recipe delivers creamy, cheesy comfort in every bite. It's no surprise that once you've tried this flavorful and simple chicken mozzarella pasta recipe, it will quickly become a go-to favorite in your meal rotation. Don't be surprised when your family starts requesting this chicken mozzarella pasta recipe again and again!
The beauty of this chicken mozzarella pasta recipe lies in its versatility and the way it brings people together around the table. Once you master this basic recipe, you'll find yourself experimenting with different variations and making it your own signature dish. Don't forget to try our Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Recipe and Mushroom Alfredo Pasta Recipe for more delicious pasta inspiration that will keep your dinner rotation exciting and flavorful.
Happy Cooking
By Lisa Johnson ✨
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe
Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet For searing chicken and sauce
- 1 Large pot For boiling pasta
- 1 Cheese grater For fresh parmesan
- 1 Fine-mesh strainer For draining pasta
- 1 Measuring cups For cream and cheese portions
- 1 Wooden spoon For stirring gently
- 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife For chopping chicken
Ingredients
- 1 lb Boneless chicken breast Cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz Penne pasta Or fettuccine
- 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese Room temperature
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes Halved
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese Grated
- 4 Garlic cloves Minced
- ¼ cup Fresh basil leaves Chopped
- 3 tablespoon Olive oil For sautéing
- 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning Divided
- Salt and pepper To taste
- ½ cup Sun-dried tomatoes Optional
- ¼ cup White wine Optional
- Red pepper flakes Optional, for heat
- Fresh spinach leaves Optional, add at the end
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook 6–7 mins until golden. Remove and set aside.
- In same skillet, sauté minced garlic 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and cherry tomatoes. Simmer 3–4 mins, seasoning with more Italian herbs.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup water, drain, and add pasta to sauce. Stir to combine.
- Return chicken to skillet. Toss gently. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
- Remove from heat. Stir in mozzarella, parmesan, and basil until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Notes
- Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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