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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare pasta al dente according to package instructions, then drain and reserve.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, introducing diced onions and sautéing until translucent and tender, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate minced garlic and toast briefly until aromatic, roughly 60 seconds.
- 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.
- Stream marinara sauce into the skillet, allowing mixture to gently simmer and meld flavors for 5-7 minutes.
- Fold cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring thorough coating and even distribution of ingredients.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese throughout the pan, stirring until cheese melts into a creamy, luxurious texture.
- 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