Heavenly Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Everyone Will Love

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a tasty blend of creamy flavors and comforting goodness.

Tender chicken pieces mix with gooey mozzarella cheese for a meal that truly hits the spot.

This dish takes basic pasta to new heights by using rich ingredients that make it special.

Whether made at home or in a restaurant, it can turn an ordinary meal into something unforgettable.

Both everyday cooks and seasoned experts enjoy making this versatile dish that pleases any crowd.

With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to serve up something warm and satisfying.

What’s Inside The Best Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken: Tender protein that adds substance and flavor to the pasta dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy cheese that creates a rich, stretchy sauce base.

• Macaroni Pasta: Classic pasta shape that holds the creamy sauce perfectly.

• Half-and-Half: Provides smooth, luxurious texture to the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and adds subtle flavor depth.

• Garlic: Adds intense, fragrant base flavor to the dish.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Brings concentrated, tangy sweetness to the pasta.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, fresh herb notes at the end.
• Oregano: Provides classic Italian herb flavor.
• Basil: Optional herb for additional fresh garnish.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces smoky, complex flavor to the chicken.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides optional spicy kick.

How To Make The Best Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Step 1: Awaken Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium flame. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring until garlic becomes wonderfully fragrant. Carefully remove sun-dried tomatoes, keeping the flavorful oil in the pan.

Step 2: Season and Sear Chicken

• Salt
• Smoked paprika
• Black pepper

Cook chicken pieces over high heat for a quick minute on each side. Transfer to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Boil Perfect Pasta

Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Before draining, scoop out a generous splash of pasta water and set aside.

Step 4: Create Dreamy Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, pour half-and-half and add mozzarella cheese. Bring to a gentle bubble, then lower heat. Stir continuously until cheese melts and sauce transforms into a luxurious, creamy blend.

Step 5: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Pour cooked pasta into the creamy mixture. Toss and twirl until every pasta strand is gloriously coated.

Step 6: Flavor Explosion

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes
• Oregano
• Fresh parsley

Stir thoroughly and let simmer briefly to allow flavors to dance together.

Step 7: Perfect the Consistency

If sauce feels too thick, splash in reserved pasta water until it reaches your ideal silky texture.

Step 8: Final Flourish

Top with extra oregano, basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately and watch faces light up with joy!

Smart Moves For The Best Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast garlic and sun-dried tomatoes carefully to release their intense, rich aromatics without burning, creating a robust flavor foundation for the dish.
• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve pasta water as a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency and add subtle starchy richness, helping the sauce cling perfectly to each pasta piece.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Reduce heat when adding mozzarella and stir continuously to prevent separation, ensuring a smooth, creamy sauce without graininess or clumping.
• Protein Flexibility: Swap chicken with shrimp, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu or chickpeas to accommodate different dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
• Spice Control: Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes – use sparingly for mild warmth or generously for a spicier kick that complements the creamy sauce.

The Best Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: Storage Guide

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken mozzarella pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of half-and-half or water to restore creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Microwave Option: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Freeze Wisely: For best quality, avoid freezing this creamy pasta dish as the sauce may separate and lose its smooth consistency when thawed.

Perfect Pairings For The Best Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

• Select a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines complement the creamy sauce and cut through the richness of mozzarella, creating a balanced dining experience.
• Boost Protein Profile: Protein Accompaniment
• Add grilled asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts as a side dish. These vegetables provide a nutritious contrast to the pasta, adding fiber and complementing the chicken's savory notes.
• Enhance Texture Contrast: Bread Companion
• Serve warm garlic bread or crusty Italian ciabatta alongside the pasta. The bread's crispy exterior and soft interior will soak up the creamy sauce, adding an extra layer of deliciousness.
• Create Fresh Finish: Salad Accent
• Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens and tangy dressing will refresh the palate between bites of the rich, cheesy pasta.

Change It Up With The Best Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

• Gluten-Free Pasta Delight: Swap traditional macaroni with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Creation: Replace pasta entirely with roasted cauliflower florets for a nutritious, low-carbohydrate alternative that keeps the dish's creamy essence.
• Vegetarian Protein Pivot: Substitute chicken with plant-based protein like grilled tofu, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas to create a meat-free version that maintains the recipe's robust flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Use coconut cream instead of half-and-half and nutritional yeast or dairy-free mozzarella alternative to craft a lactose-free version that still delivers rich, creamy texture.

FAQ Guide For The Best Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

You can substitute macaroni with other short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. The key is to choose a pasta shape that can hold the creamy sauce well.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from red pepper flakes, which you can adjust by adding more or less according to your preference. If you don’t like spice, you can completely omit the red pepper flakes.

• What kind of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins are ideal for this recipe. They cook quickly and absorb the seasonings well. Make sure to cut them into even-sized pieces for uniform cooking.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace chicken with plant-based alternatives like sautéed mushrooms, grilled tofu, or roasted vegetables to maintain the protein content and add texture to the pasta.

Why The Best Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Wins Hearts

• Quick Weeknight Lifesaver: This chicken mozzarella pasta delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving a delicious meal without complicated preparation.
• Customize with Ease: Swap chicken for shrimp or keep it vegetarian by adding extra vegetables, making this recipe incredibly flexible for different dietary preferences and tastes.
• Creamy Comfort Food Delight: Packed with melted mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, this pasta offers a rich, satisfying experience that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup by using a single skillet for cooking chicken, creating sauce, and combining ingredients, reducing post-dinner dish washing time dramatically.

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Indulgent Chicken Mozzarella Pasta delivers a symphony of Italian-inspired flavors that dance across palates with creamy elegance. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly al dente pasta create a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) chicken breasts, sliced into small pieces
• 8 ounces (8 oz) macaroni pasta or penne pasta
• 4 ounces (4 oz) sun-dried tomatoes (without oil), sliced into small chunks
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, crushed
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Creamy Sauce and Herbs:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup half-and-half (½ cup milk + ½ cup heavy cream)
• ½ tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• ⅓ cup pasta water

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Instructions

1. Infuse olive oil with minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes in a large skillet over medium heat, releasing aromatic flavors for about 60 seconds. Remove tomatoes, preserving the infused oil.
2. Coat chicken pieces with a blend of salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Quickly sear chicken over high heat for approximately one minute per side until golden, then set aside.
3. Prepare pasta according to package instructions, carefully reserving one-third cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
4. Transform the skillet into a creamy sauce haven by introducing half-and-half and mozzarella. Gently elevate temperature, allowing the mixture to reach a slow boil, then reduce heat and stir consistently until cheese melts into a luxurious, smooth sauce.
5. Marry the cooked pasta with the velvety sauce, ensuring each pasta strand is generously coated with the creamy mixture.
6. Enhance the dish’s complexity by incorporating salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and freshly chopped parsley. Allow the ingredients to meld together through a brief simmering process.
7. Calibrate sauce consistency by gradually introducing reserved pasta water, creating the perfect texture and preventing excessive thickness.
8. Present the pasta with an elegant flourish of additional oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes to elevate visual appeal and provide an extra flavor dimension.

Notes

• Ensure garlic doesn’t burn by watching it closely during sautéing, as burned garlic turns bitter and ruins the sauce’s delicate flavor profile.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and lock in maximum flavor during cooking.
• Reserve pasta water strategically as it contains starchy goodness that helps sauce cling beautifully to pasta and creates a silkier texture.
• Experiment with protein alternatives like sh

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg