Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe Easy Creamy Dinner Idea

The sizzle of chicken in a hot pan, the aroma of garlic mingling with tomatoes, and the luscious creaminess of melted mozzarella—this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe is everything you crave in a comforting, homemade dinner. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to pull off. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll come back to this recipe again and again!

I stumbled upon this combination during a weeknight pantry raid when I was running low on groceries. What started as improvisation quickly turned into one of my family’s favorite meals. With tender chicken, creamy pasta, and gooey mozzarella, it’s an irresistible trifecta of texture and flavor. Plus, it’s ready in under an hour, making it perfect for those busy nights when you still want something hearty and satisfying.

This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a crowd-pleaser that screams comfort food but feels just fancy enough to impress guests. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this recipe is bound to win everyone over!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in about 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Simple Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy—most of these items are pantry staples or easy to find.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a casual gathering, this dish fits the bill.
• Incredibly Creamy: The mozzarella melts into the sauce, creating a luxurious texture that’s hard to resist.
• Customizable: You can tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs (more on that later).
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters love the cheesy, creamy goodness of this pasta!

What sets this recipe apart is the combination of bold flavors and creamy textures. The garlic and tomato base adds depth, while the mozzarella provides that ooey-gooey richness we all crave. It’s comfort food at its finest, and honestly, watching the cheese pull as you serve it is half the fun!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create a dish that’s packed with flavor and easy to make. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
• Olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and garlic.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for that bold, aromatic flavor.
• Cherry tomatoes: Halved, providing a sweet and tangy base for the sauce.
• Heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
• Mozzarella cheese: Fresh or shredded, for that gooey melted goodness.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated, for extra savory flavor.
• Pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta works perfectly here.
• Salt and pepper: To season every layer of the dish.
• Fresh basil: Optional, but highly recommended for garnish!

Feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have on hand. For example, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts or substitute spinach for basil if you’re looking for a green veggie boost.

Equipment Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this creamy chicken mozzarella pasta:

• Large skillet: For cooking the chicken and sauce.
• Pot: To boil the pasta.
• Wooden spoon: For stirring the sauce.
• Chef’s knife: To chop garlic, tomatoes, and chicken.
• Cutting board: Essential for prepping ingredients.

If you don’t have a large skillet, you can use a sauté pan or even a Dutch oven. Just make sure it’s big enough to hold the chicken and sauce comfortably!

Preparation Method

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Prepare the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Sauté garlic and tomatoes: In the same skillet, add another drizzle of olive oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring often, until they soften and release their juices.
4. Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until they melt into a creamy sauce.
5. Combine everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
6. Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve immediately.

Pro tip: If your sauce seems too thick, the reserved pasta water is your best friend! It helps loosen the sauce while adding a bit of starchy goodness.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Don’t overcook the chicken: It should be golden and juicy—overcooking can make it dry.
• Use fresh mozzarella: If possible, opt for fresh mozzarella for the ultimate creamy texture.
• Reserve pasta water: This trick helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly.
• Layer your seasoning: Season at every step—chicken, tomatoes, and sauce—for the most flavorful result.
• Low and slow for the sauce: Avoid boiling the cream, as it can lead to curdling. Keep the heat low and stir often.

These small tweaks can make a big difference in the final dish. Trust the process, and you’ll end up with a restaurant-worthy pasta!

Variations & Adaptations

• Make it gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs.
• Add veggies: Toss in spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle some chili oil for heat.
• Swap proteins: Use shrimp or turkey instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
• Dairy-free option: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free mozzarella.

I’ve tried swapping in spinach and mushrooms, and it adds a whole new layer of flavor and texture. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta hot and fresh for the best experience. Pair it with a green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc works beautifully, too!

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

If you plan to freeze it, store the sauce and pasta separately to prevent the pasta from getting mushy. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This recipe is a balanced meal with protein from the chicken and carbohydrates from the pasta. Mozzarella adds calcium, while cherry tomatoes provide vitamin C and antioxidants.

Estimated per serving:

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 18g

For those watching their carbs, you can easily swap regular pasta for a low-carb or zucchini noodle alternative!

Conclusion

This creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is more than just a recipe—it’s comfort in a bowl. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea or a dish to impress, it checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can make it your own with simple tweaks.

I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. Let me know how it turned out for you in the comments below, and don’t forget to share your adaptations. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are just as flavorful and tender—just keep an eye on the cooking time.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce beautifully, but feel free to use what you love.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best to cook the pasta fresh and store the sauce separately to maintain the creamy texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can easily swap in gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for gluten-free diets.

How do I prevent the cream from curdling?

Keep the heat low and stir constantly while making the sauce. Avoid boiling the cream.

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