Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
Description:
This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a cheesy, comforting Italian-American dish that brings together tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and perfectly cooked pasta. With hints of garlic, basil, and a slight kick from red pepper flakes, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner or a meal-prep favorite. It’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that feels indulgent but can be made light and fresh depending on the ingredients.
Ingredients (Serves 4–5):
Pasta: 12 oz penne or rigatoni
Chicken: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
Mozzarella: 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Parmesan (optional): ½ cup grated
Olive oil: 2 tbsp
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
Onion: 1 small, diced
Crushed tomatoes: 1 can (28 oz)
Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
Italian seasoning: 2 tsp
Red pepper flakes: ½ tsp (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley: for garnish
Salt and pepper: to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden brown and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add another tbsp olive oil. Sauté onion until soft (3–4 mins), then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Combine:
Add cooked chicken to the sauce, then toss in drained pasta. Stir to combine well.
5. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and optional Parmesan over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit on low heat for 3–4 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Top with fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Prep & Cook Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 5 servings):
Calories: 550–600 kcal
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 750mg
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 6g
Note: Nutrition may vary based on specific brands or portion sizes.
Common Questions:
Q: Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken?
A: Yes! Just shred and add it when combining with the sauce.
Q: Is it freezer-friendly?
A: Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven or stovetop with a splash of water or broth.
Q: Can I make it healthier?
A: Use whole wheat pasta, low-fat cheese, and reduce olive oil to 1 tbsp.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Definitely! Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini work great. Saute them with the onions.
Q: What other cheese can I use?
A: Try provolone, fontina, or even rico
tta dollops for a creamy twist.
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