Heavenly Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

Creamy chicken mozzarella pasta brings comfort right to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Melted cheese strings connect tender meat and al dente noodles in a delightful culinary embrace.

Home cooks adore this straightforward dish that combines simplicity with incredible flavor profiles.

Every bite promises a rich, satisfying experience that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in creating something spectacular.

Quick preparation means you can have a restaurant-quality meal without complex techniques or hours of cooking.

Dive into this delectable recipe and watch magic unfold on your plate.

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Benefits

• Quickly Customize Flavors: Swap ingredients like yogurt or hot sauce to match personal taste preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different palates.
• Master One-Pan Magic: Cook everything in a single skillet, reducing cleanup time and simplifying the entire cooking process for busy home chefs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Protein: Chicken thighs deliver rich, juicy flavor that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Spice It Up Smartly: The bang bang sauce offers a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes that transform ordinary chicken into an exciting meal without complicated techniques.

Key Ingredients For Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

• Chicken Strips: A lean protein that adds a hearty and satisfying element to the pasta dish.

• Pasta: The main base of the recipe that provides a comforting and filling foundation.

• Olive Oil: A healthy oil that helps sauté ingredients and adds a subtle richness.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a deep and complex flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes: Spices that bring depth, warmth, and a slight kick to the dish.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that provides a tangy and rich coating for the pasta.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A creamy cheese that melts beautifully and adds a luxurious texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: An optional garnish that brings a sharp, salty finish to the dish.

• Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herbs that add a vibrant and aromatic garnish to the final dish.

How To Make Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook pasta according to package instructions until it reaches a delightful al dente texture. Drain the water completely and set the pasta aside, letting it rest while you prepare the mouthwatering sauce.

Step 2: Awaken the Onions

Drizzle olive oil into a large skillet over medium heat. Tumble in the chopped onions and let them dance and soften, releasing their sweet aroma for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and tender.

Step 3: Embrace Garlic’s Fragrance

Sprinkle minced garlic into the pan and let it sizzle for a quick minute. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that promises deliciousness to come.

Step 4: Transform Chicken into Golden Delights

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes

Cook the chicken, turning occasionally, until it transforms into golden-brown morsels and cooks completely through, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 5: Bathe in Marinara Magic

Pour marinara sauce over the chicken, allowing it to simmer and meld flavors for 5-7 minutes.

The sauce will become rich and vibrant.

Step 6: Unite Pasta and Sauce

Fold the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring every strand gets luxuriously coated with the savory marinara.

Step 7: Melt Mozzarella Magnificence

Scatter mozzarella cheese into the pan and stir until it melts into creamy, stretchy strands that bind the dish together.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top.

Optionally, shower with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor explosion. Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Pro Tips For Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

• Choose high-quality marinara sauce for richer flavor and depth in the dish.
• Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier and more authentic texture that melts beautifully.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure better browning and prevent soggy meat.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or reducing red pepper flakes according to personal heat preference.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for more nutrition and color variety.

Flavor Variations For Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

• Spicy Arrabbiata Chicken Pasta: Replace marinara with spicy arrabbiata sauce, increase red pepper flakes, and add extra chili oil for a fiery kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pasta: Swap Italian seasoning for fresh oregano, thyme, and rosemary, then top with crumbled feta cheese and chopped olives.
• Creamy Alfredo Chicken Pasta: Substitute marinara with homemade Alfredo sauce, add roasted garlic, and sprinkle with extra Parmesan for a rich, velvety texture.
• Pesto Chicken Pasta: Replace marinara with green basil pesto, mix in sun-dried tomatoes, and garnish with toasted pine nuts for an herbal Mediterranean touch.

Pairing Ideas For Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

• Rustic Italian Family Dinner: Gather loved ones around this hearty pasta dish, serving it family-style in a large wooden bowl with extra Parmesan on the side for everyone to sprinkle as they like.
• Cozy Weeknight Comfort Meal: Pair the chicken mozzarella pasta with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread, creating a complete meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day.
• Outdoor Picnic Delight: Pack this pasta in a sealed container for a delicious picnic lunch, enjoying the cheesy goodness with a chilled white wine or refreshing iced tea in a scenic outdoor setting.
• Meal Prep Champion: Portion the pasta into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches during the week, keeping the mozzarella and chicken separate until ready to reheat for maximum freshness.

Storage Advice For Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

• Transfer leftover chicken mozzarella pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Warm the pasta in a microwave-safe dish, adding a splash of water or extra marinara sauce to prevent dryness. Stir occasionally and heat in 30-second intervals until the pasta reaches the desired temperature.
• Pack the cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

• What makes this chicken mozzarella pasta different from other pasta dishes?

The combination of tender chicken, creamy mozzarella, and zesty marinara sauce creates a rich, satisfying meal that’s more flavorful and indulgent than typical pasta recipes.

• Can I use different types of meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or even sliced Italian sausage for a different protein option.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can easily adjust the heat level by reducing or omitting them to suit your taste preferences.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Consider using whole wheat pasta, adding more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, and opting for a low-sodium marinara sauce to boost the nutritional value.

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken mozzarella pasta delivers a comforting Italian-inspired meal with rich flavors. Simple ingredients combine for a delightful dinner that satisfies hungry diners and brings Mediterranean warmth to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, sliced into thin strips or cubed)
• 8 oz (226 g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or any short pasta)
• 1 cup (240 ml) mozzarella cheese (shredded or fresh mozzarella balls)
• 2 cups (480 ml) marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta al dente according to package instructions, then drain and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, introducing diced onions and sautéing until translucent and tender, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Incorporate minced garlic and toast briefly until aromatic, roughly 60 seconds.
4. Introduce seasoned chicken strips, generously coating with salt, ground black pepper, Italian herb blend, and crushed red pepper. Sauté until chicken develops golden edges and cooks completely, around 6-8 minutes.
5. Stream marinara sauce into the skillet, allowing mixture to gently simmer and meld flavors for 5-7 minutes.
6. Fold cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring thorough coating and even distribution of ingredients.
7. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese throughout the pan, stirring until cheese melts into a creamy, luxurious texture.
8. Finish the dish by scattering fresh chopped basil or parsley on top, optionally presenting with grated Parmesan cheese for additional flavor enhancement.

Notes

• Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions and boost nutritional value.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming.
• Customize heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes or using mild paprika for a family-friendly version.
• Use rotisserie chicken as a time-saving alternative for an even quicker meal preparation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 435 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg