Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe

Are you craving a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful pasta dish that's easy to prepare? Look no further than this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe! Tender chicken, melted mozzarella, and a rich tomato-based sauce are combined with your favorite pasta for a dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or a casual gathering. This family-friendly meal is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Stick around for the full recipe, along with tips, substitutions, and step-by-step instructions to make this dish your own.

this Recipe

What is Chicken Mozzarella Pasta?

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a delicious Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breast, melty mozzarella cheese, and a savory tomato sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This dish combines the rich flavors of chicken Parmesan and cheesy pasta in a simple, one-pan meal that’s easy to make at home. Whether you're a beginner cook or an experienced chef, this recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners.

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Ingredients List for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

To make this delicious and easy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1. Chicken breasts – 1 lb, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
2. Pasta – 12 oz of your choice (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best)
3. Mozzarella cheese – 2 cups, shredded
4. Olive oil – 2 tbsp
5. Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
6. Onion – 1 small, finely diced
7. Crushed tomatoes – 1 can (28 oz)
8. Tomato paste – 2 tbsp
9. Italian seasoning – 1 tsp
10. Crushed red pepper flakes – ½ teaspoon (optional for spice)
11. Salt and pepper – to taste
12. Fresh basil – ¼ cup, chopped (optional, for garnish)
13. Parmesan cheese – ¼ cup, grated (optional for topping)

These simple ingredients come together to create a hearty, flavorful pasta dish that’s both satisfying and comforting. You can adjust the quantities or ingredients to suit your personal taste preferences or dietary needs.

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Substitutions and Variations

This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe is highly versatile. Here are some substitutions and variations to help you tailor the dish to your liking:

• Pasta: While penne or rigatoni work best, you can substitute any pasta shape you prefer, like spaghetti, fettuccine, or even whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
• Cheese: Mozzarella provides a mild, gooey cheese pull, but feel free to add other cheeses like provolone, fontina, or gouda for different flavors. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a nice salty bite.
• Chicken thighs: If you prefer dark meat, substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the breasts. They’ll add a richer flavor and stay moist during cooking.
• Vegetarian version: For a meatless version, replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. You can also use plant-based chicken alternatives.
• Spicy kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or more red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat. You can also stir in some spicy marinara sauce.
• Creamy version: Add ½ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half to the tomato sauce for a creamy, indulgent sauce.

These substitutions and variations allow you to make the dish your own, whether you're looking to add more flavor, change the protein, or adapt to dietary restrictions.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create a delicious Chicken Mozzarella Pasta dish:

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
2. Cook the chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Prepare the tomato sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Add the chicken back in: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes, until the chicken is fully incorporated and coated in the sauce.
6. Combine the pasta and cheese: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the pasta and stir gently until the cheese is melted and gooey.
7. Serve and garnish: Once everything is well combined and the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and grated Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

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How to Cook Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide

To make sure you achieve the best results, here’s a more detailed guide for cooking Chicken Mozzarella Pasta:

1. Perfectly cooking the pasta: Cook your pasta just until al dente (firm to the bite). Overcooking can make it mushy when tossed with the sauce. Always reserve some pasta water to help adjust the consistency of the sauce if needed.
2. Browning the chicken: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. Browning the chicken properly adds a lot of flavor to the dish. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the chicken to steam instead of brown.
3. Sauce consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. This also helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta.
4. Melting the cheese: After adding the mozzarella, stir gently to melt the cheese without breaking it down too much. The mozzarella should be stringy and gooey, creating that irresistible cheese pull.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough. Cook just until browned and cooked through, then remove it from the heat.
• Not seasoning the pasta water: Be sure to generously salt the pasta water. This is your only chance to season the pasta itself, and it adds depth to the entire dish.
• Using low-moisture mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella melts better and gives that ooey-gooey cheese pull. If you use low-moisture mozzarella, the texture may not be as creamy.
• Skipping the pasta water: Pasta water contains starch that helps thicken the sauce and allows it to cling better to the pasta. Don’t forget to reserve a cup before draining the pasta.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is ready, serve it in a way that enhances its appeal. Here are some ideas:

• Family-style serving: Serve the pasta directly from the skillet for a casual, family-style dinner. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan for a beautiful finish.
• Individual portions: For a more formal presentation, spoon individual portions onto plates, then sprinkle with chopped fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil for a restaurant-worthy look.
• Add texture: Top the pasta with a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or crispy fried onions to add a little crunch and extra flavor.

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How to Serve Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

This dish is best served hot, right after the mozzarella has melted into the pasta and sauce. Pair it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to round out the meal. Since the pasta is rich and hearty, light sides like steamed broccoli, green beans, or a lemony arugula salad will balance out the flavors perfectly. For a special touch, serve it with a glass of white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, to complement the creamy mozzarella and savory tomato sauce.

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Presentation Ideas for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Here are some creative presentation ideas to make your Chicken Mozzarella Pasta stand out:

• Garnish with fresh herbs: Top the pasta with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve in a skillet: Present the pasta directly in the skillet it was cooked in, for a rustic, family-style serving that keeps the dish warm.
• Add a cheese drizzle: For extra flair, drizzle some extra melted mozzarella or a sprinkle of Parmesan on top of each serving.

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Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead: You can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and combine it with freshly cooked pasta and mozzarella.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra sauce or water to keep it from drying out.
• Batch cooking: This recipe is great for batch cooking. Double the ingredients and freeze half of the dish for later. Just thaw and reheat for an easy meal on busy nights.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time. Simply shred or chop the chicken and add it to the sauce after it has simmered.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta, and ensure any store-bought sauces you use are also gluten-free.

What’s the best mozzarella to use?
Fresh mozzarella is best for a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture, but shredded mozzarella will work in a pinch. Avoid pre-shredded mozzarella with anti-caking agents as it doesn’t melt as well.

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Conclusion

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that brings together the best of pasta, cheese, and chicken in one easy meal. With minimal ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a hearty dinner that’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or special occasions. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the suggested variations, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try tonight—you won’t be disappointed!

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