Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: A Creamy and Cheesy Delight

Introduction & Inspiration

As someone who loves a good pasta dish, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both flavorful and convenient. This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a winner on both fronts! It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The inspiration for this recipe came from my love of Italian-American cuisine and my desire to create a dish that was both delicious and easy to prepare.

Homemade Focus

While you can certainly find pre-made pasta sauces and frozen ingredients, I encourage you to embrace the freshness and flavor of homemade ingredients whenever possible. This recipe is straightforward, and using quality ingredients will elevate the taste of your dish. Plus, making the sauce from scratch allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking.

Flavor Goal

The goal here is to create a pasta dish that’s bursting with flavor and richness. We’re talking tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, a creamy tomato sauce with a hint of garlic and spice, and a generous amount of melted mozzarella cheese. The combination of these ingredients creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s explore the key players in this delicious pasta dish:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a lean protein source that cooks quickly.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to cook the chicken and garlic, and it adds a healthy dose of fats to the dish.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor that complements the tomato sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat to the sauce for those who like a bit of spice.
• Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes provide a base for the sauce and add a bright tomato flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Heavy cream creates a rich and creamy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
• Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Penne Pasta: Penne is a tubular pasta shape that’s perfect for holding the creamy sauce. You can substitute it with other short pasta shapes, such as rigatoni or ziti.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella cheese adds a gooey and cheesy texture to the dish, complementing the creamy sauce.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps to thicken the sauce.
• Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds a bright and herbaceous flavor that complements the tomato sauce. You can substitute with dried basil if fresh is unavailable.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional): Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note as a garnish.

Equipment

You’ll need just a few essential tools to whip up this easy and delicious dish:

• Large pot (for cooking pasta)
• Large skillet
• Mixing spoon

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing into thin strips.
3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant. Add the red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another 30 seconds. Stir in the diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened.
4. Combine the Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to combine.
5. Add the Cheese: Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Add the chopped basil and stir to incorporate.
6. Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with additional chopped basil and parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.

Troubleshooting

• Pasta overcooked: Avoid overcooking the pasta. Cook it al dente according to package directions.
• Chicken overcooked: Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
• Sauce too thin: If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken. You can also add a slurry of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water to thicken it quickly.
• Sauce too thick: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out.

Tips and Variations

• For a richer flavor, you can use a combination of butter and olive oil for cooking the chicken and garlic.
• Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or spinach.
• You can also add a pinch of dried oregano or thyme to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
• If you don’t have fresh basil, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of dried basil.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a delicious and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed on its own or with a side salad and crusty bread. It’s also great for a casual weeknight dinner or a family gathering.

Nutritional Information

(Per serving, approximate)

• Calories: ~550
• Fat: ~30g
• Cholesterol: ~100mg
• Sodium: ~700mg (adjust based on the sodium content of your ingredients)
• Carbohydrates: ~50g
• Protein: ~30g

Print

Recipe Summary and Q&A

Recipe Name: Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Yields: 4 servings

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta that you like for this recipe, but short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or ziti are best for holding the sauce.

Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?

A: Yes, you can omit the chicken and add grilled or roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus, for a vegetarian version.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, but you can cook the pasta and chicken ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat them and combine with the sauce when ready to serve.