Cheesy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: Easy Recipe

Looking for a delightful and comforting meal that’s perfect for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekends? Look no further than the Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Delight! This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, featuring succulent chicken, gooey mozzarella, and perfectly sauced penne, all coming together in a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

I stumbled upon this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Delight on a rainy evening, and it instantly became a staple in my kitchen. The way the mozzarella melts into long, cheesy strings with every bite takes me back to nostalgic childhood dinners, where the cheesiest forkful was always the ultimate win. Trust me, this pasta has the power to bring a quiet hush over the dinner table as everyone savors the first mouthful of cheesy goodness.

Whether you’re serving this pasta to your family on a weeknight or impressing guests at a dinner party, the Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Delight is sure to be a hit. And the best part? Leftovers can be stored for up to three days, giving you a delicious meal prep option for those hectic days. So grab a fork, twirl up a cheesy bite, and let the flavors of this Italian-American comfort food dish transport you to a place of pure culinary bliss.

Quick Benefits

• Comforting and rich flavors in every bite
• Versatile – can be customized with different pasta shapes, protein options, and cream variations
• Family-friendly and suitable for dinner parties
• Leftovers can be stored for up to three days and reheated easily

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: Easy Recipe Recipe

• Rich and comforting flavors blend together perfectly in this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Delight, making it a versatile dish suitable for both busy weeknights and special occasions.
• The melted mozzarella cheese creates a stringy, cheesy goodness that brings a nostalgic and heartwarming element to each bite, perfect for both kids and adults.
• This recipe offers flexibility with ingredient swaps, such as using different pasta shapes, protein choices like chicken thighs or shrimp, and even vegetarian variations with mushrooms and spinach.
• Leftovers can be easily stored and reheated for up to three days, maintaining the creamy texture and flavors.
• The dish pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad and crusty bread, offering a well-rounded meal that satisfies with every forkful.
• Whether you’re hosting a potluck, feeding picky eaters, or looking for a quick and tasty dinner option, this pasta never fails to impress and is always a crowd-pleaser.
• The recipe’s adaptability to seasonal ingredients, like fresh summer tomatoes or roasted butternut squash in autumn, allows for a delicious experience year-round.
• With make-ahead and freezing options available, you can enjoy this delightful pasta anytime, ensuring you savor every cheesy, flavorful moment.

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: Easy Recipe

Poultry

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Pantry Staples

• Black pepper to taste
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Aromatics

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Spices

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

Canned Goods

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes

Dairy

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Broth

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 8 ounces penne pasta

Herbs

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional, for garnish
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped or 1 teaspoon dried basil

Pro Tips for Cheesy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: Easy Recipe

Pro Tip 1: To enhance the flavors of the dish, season the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper before cooking. Searing the chicken until golden brown on both sides develops a rich flavor and juicy texture. For added depth, consider marinating the chicken in Italian seasoning or lemon pepper before cooking.

Pro Tip 2: When incorporating the heavy cream, ensure to bring it to a gentle simmer over low heat. This prevents the cream from curdling and helps it blend smoothly with the other ingredients. For a velvety sauce, gradually sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, stirring constantly until fully melted and combined. Adjust the sauce consistency by adding a splash of chicken broth if it thickens too much.

Pro Tip 3: For a finishing touch, garnish the Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Delight with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Consider drizzling a touch of high-quality olive oil over the dish before serving to add a fruity aroma. When reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or cream while gently warming on the stovetop to revitalize the creamy texture and prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: Easy Recipe

Step 1: Cook Pasta

Cook penne pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken

Season chicken with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let chicken rest before slicing.

Step 3: Build Sauce

Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute, then add red pepper flakes (if desired) and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Stir in diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Combine drained pasta and sliced chicken breast with the sauce in the skillet, stirring until evenly coated.

Step 5: Incorporate Cheese and Herbs

Gently mix shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce until melted and creamy. Stir in chopped basil until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle with extra chopped basil and fresh parsley if desired. Serve while warm.

Storage Tips

After preparing and enjoying the Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Delight, it’s important to store any leftovers properly to maintain its flavors and textures. Store the cooled pasta in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat the pasta slowly on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the silkiness of the sauce. It’s recommended to avoid reheating in the microwave as it can make the cheese rubbery, affecting the overall quality of the dish.

For those looking to make some variations to the recipe, consider swapping penne pasta for rigatoni or fusilli, as these pasta shapes also hold sauces beautifully. Additionally, chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for more flavor and tenderness. If you prefer a lighter touch, you can substitute heavy cream with light cream or half and half, though the texture will be less rich. For a vegetarian option, skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms and spinach to create a delicious meat-free version of this pasta delight.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have penne pasta on hand, feel free to substitute with rigatoni, fusilli, or ziti for an equally delicious outcome. These pasta shapes will also hold the sauce well, ensuring a satisfying bite every time.

Fresh basil is a wonderful addition to this dish, but if you run out, dried basil can be used as a substitute. While fresh basil provides a bright flavor, dried basil can still offer the needed herbal notes to enhance the overall taste of the chicken mozzarella pasta.

For a different protein option, consider using cooked shrimp or turkey instead of chicken. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can simply omit the protein altogether or add sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a flavorful alternative. These substitutions allow for versatility in the dish to suit different dietary preferences and tastes.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion with the chicken mozzarella pasta delight, consider layering individual portions in small ramekins or oven-safe dishes, topping each with an extra sprinkle of mozzarella and broiling until bubbly and golden brown. This not only adds a delightful presentation touch but also creates a crispy cheesy crust that elevates the dish’s texture.

Another fun idea is to turn this pasta dish into a pasta bake by transferring the prepared chicken mozzarella pasta into a baking dish, topping it with a mixture of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil before baking until golden and crispy. The resulting crunchy topping adds a delightful contrast to the creamy pasta underneath, making it a satisfying and visually appealing meal for any gathering or weeknight dinner.

FAQs for Cheesy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: Easy Recipe

Can I use a different type of pasta with this recipe?

Yes, any short pasta such as rigatoni, fusilli, or ziti works well with the sauce and chicken.

Can I substitute dried basil for fresh basil in this recipe?

Fresh basil adds brightness, but dried basil can substitute if needed for herbal flavor and aroma.

Can I use a different protein or make this dish vegetarian?

You can use cooked shrimp, turkey, or omit the protein entirely for a vegetarian option.

How should I store and reheat leftovers of this pasta dish?

Store cooled pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and savoring this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Delight as much as I do. The blend of flavors, the creamy texture of the sauce, and the cheesy goodness make it a standout dish for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to bring smiles and satisfaction to the table.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe – try different pasta shapes, swap out proteins, or incorporate seasonal veggies to make it your own. The versatility of this dish makes it perfect for adapting to your preferences and what you have on hand. And remember, good food is meant to be shared, so spread the love by serving up a big bowl of this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Delight at your next gathering. Happy cooking and buon appetito!