Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: Just the name conjures up images of creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying comfort food, doesn’t it? This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends. Imagine tender pieces of chicken, bathed in a luscious tomato sauce, clinging to perfectly cooked pasta, all crowned with melted, gooey mozzarella. Are you drooling yet?

While the exact origins of Chicken Mozzarella Pasta are debated, its roots are firmly planted in Italian-American cuisine, a vibrant melting pot of traditions and flavors. It’s a testament to the ingenuity of home cooks who adapted classic Italian dishes to suit readily available ingredients and evolving palates. Think of it as a delicious evolution, a celebration of simplicity and bold flavors.

But what is it about this dish that makes it so universally loved? For starters, it’s incredibly easy to make! It’s a one-pan wonder that minimizes cleanup. The combination of savory chicken, tangy tomato sauce, and creamy mozzarella is simply irresistible. The textures are also a delight – the slight chew of the pasta, the tenderness of the chicken, and the soft, melty cheese create a symphony in your mouth. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable! You can add your favorite vegetables, spices, or herbs to create your own signature version. Get ready to experience the magic of Chicken Mozzarella Pasta!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• For the Pasta:
• 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
• 6 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• For the Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• For the Mozzarella Topping:
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, for garnish

Preparing the Chicken

Okay, let’s start with the chicken. This is the foundation of our delicious Chicken Mozzarella Pasta, so we want to make sure it’s cooked perfectly and packed with flavor. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds!

1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts: First, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear in the pan. Then, if your chicken breasts are particularly thick, you can slice them horizontally to create two thinner cutlets from each breast. This will help them cook more evenly and quickly.
2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, making sure they’re well coated. I like to gently press the seasoning into the chicken to help it adhere.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
4. Cook the Chicken: Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. If the chicken starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
5. Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
6. Slice the Chicken: After resting, slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces or strips. Set aside for later.

Cooking the Pasta

While the chicken is resting, let’s get the pasta going. This is a simple step, but it’s important to cook the pasta al dente – that is, firm to the bite. Nobody likes mushy pasta!

1. Boil the Water: Fill a large pot with 6 cups of water and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. The salt helps to season the pasta as it cooks.
2. Cook the Pasta: Once the water is boiling, add the pasta. Cook according to the package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
3. Drain the Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta, as this will remove the starch that helps the sauce cling to it.

Making the Tomato Sauce

Now for the heart of the dish – the tomato sauce! This is where we’ll build layers of flavor to create a rich and satisfying sauce that perfectly complements the chicken and mozzarella.

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken (or a clean skillet), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion and sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
2. Add the Tomatoes: Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
3. Season the Sauce: Add the dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir well to combine.
4. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will become.
5. Add Cream (Optional): If you want to add a touch of richness to the sauce, stir in the heavy cream during the last few minutes of simmering. This will make the sauce even more decadent and delicious.

Assembling the Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

We’re almost there! Now it’s time to bring everything together and create our masterpiece. This is the fun part!

1. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
2. Add the Chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the skillet with the pasta and sauce. Toss gently to combine.
3. Top with Mozzarella: Arrange the mozzarella slices evenly over the top of the pasta and chicken. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake or Broil: Place the skillet under the broiler for a few minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly and lightly browned. Alternatively, you can cover the skillet and let it simmer over low heat until the mozzarella is melted.
5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the broiler (or stovetop) and garnish with chopped fresh basil. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to experience it! The combination of juicy, pan-seared chicken, the creamy, melted mozzarella, and the perfectly al dente pasta, all bathed in that rich, garlicky tomato sauce, is simply divine. It’s comfort food elevated, a dish that’s both satisfying and surprisingly easy to prepare. Forget complicated recipes and hours in the kitchen; this one comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta. Penne, rotini, or even farfalle would work beautifully. For a vegetarian twist, skip the chicken altogether and add roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes will add a delightful kick.

Serving Suggestions:

* Serve it with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
* A crusty loaf of bread is a must for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
* For a more elegant presentation, garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil.
* Pair it with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Variations to Explore:

* Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce for an extra decadent touch.
* Pesto Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: Stir in a spoonful of pesto for a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor.
* Spicy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a fiery kick.
* Baked Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: Transfer the cooked pasta to a baking dish, top with extra mozzarella cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden brown.

I truly believe this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta will become a staple in your recipe repertoire. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s guaranteed to impress, and it’s so easy to customize to your liking. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the incredible flavors it delivers. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, familiar yet unique.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get cooking! I’m confident you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And please, don’t be shy! I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your photos, your variations, and your thoughts in the comments below. Let me know what you think of this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta and how you made it your own. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to see what culinary masterpieces you create!