There’s nothing quite like diving into a bowl of Chicken Mozzarella Pasta when you need a pick-me-up after a busy day. This recipe brings together tender, juicy chicken chunks, vibrant cherry and sun-dried tomatoes, and ribbons of gooey melted mozzarella, all swirled through perfectly al dente pasta. As the cheese stretches and clings to every nook and cranny, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a cozy Italian kitchen, even if you’re just in your own dining room. The bright pops of sun-dried tomato and the subtle heat from red chili flakes cut through the richness of the cheese, creating a balance that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s the kind of dish that invites you to lean in close, savor every forkful, and maybe even lick the sauce straight off your plate (no judgment here!).
When I first whipped up this recipe, I was racing against the clock on a Wednesday evening. My partner had thrown a surprise request for “something cheesy and tasty,” and I rummaged through the pantry for inspiration. Penne was waiting patiently, and I had just enough chicken breasts and a jar of marinara to make magic happen. With garlic sizzling, tomatoes bursting, and mozzarella melting, the kitchen transformed into a little haven of delicious aromas and cozy chatter. By the time we sat down, the stress of the day felt miles away, replaced by laughter and the collective “Mmm!” at the first bite. Trust me, this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is destined to become your next weeknight hero—and maybe even the star of a casual dinner party!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CHICKEN MOZZARELLA PASTA
Before we roll up our sleeves and get cooking, let’s shine a light on the key players that make this dish sing. Each ingredient brings its own personality, working together in harmony to create layers of flavor and texture.
- Pasta
The backbone of our meal, penne or fusilli captures every drop of sauce in its ridges and grooves. It provides that satisfying bite and a reliable base for all the juicy components.
- Olive Oil
A drizzle of good-quality olive oil helps sear the chicken to golden perfection and carries the garlic, tomato, and spice flavors, coating the pasta with a silky finish.
- Chicken Breasts
Bite-sized pieces ensure quick, even cooking. Their mild flavor soaks up the herbs and seasonings, giving you tender morsels in every forkful.
- Salt
A simple but essential flavor enhancer that brings out the natural tastes of the chicken, tomatoes, and cheese.
- Black Pepper
Adds a subtle bite and warmth that complements the richer ingredients without overpowering them.
- Italian Seasoning
A blend of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary that infuses the chicken with classic Mediterranean vibes.
- Garlic
Minced garlic sizzled in the pan releases a fragrant depth that underpins the entire dish with savory goodness.
- Cherry Tomatoes
Halved for quick cooking, they burst with juicy sweetness and pop against the creamy cheese.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Intensely flavored and slightly chewy, they add a tangy contrast and a touch of umami.
- Red Chili Flakes (optional)
Just a pinch provides a gentle kick of heat that wakes up the palate and balances the richness.
- Chicken Broth
A flavorful liquid foundation that adds moisture and depth to the sauce without diluting the taste.
- Marinara Sauce
The tomatoey heart of the dish, lending richness, body, and that familiar tang we all love.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
The star of the show for gooey, melty deliciousness that strings across your fork in delightfully long strands.
- Fresh Basil Leaves
Torn over the finished dish, they introduce a burst of herbal freshness and a beautiful pop of green.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese
A final flourish of salty, nutty flavor to sprinkle on top, making each bite even more irresistible.
HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN MOZZARELLA PASTA
Let’s roll up our sleeves and bring all these fantastic ingredients together. We’ll start by cooking the pasta to al dente perfection, searing and seasoning the chicken, then simmering everything in a luscious tomato sauce before crowning it with melted mozzarella. Follow along step by step, and you’ll have a show-stopping, cheesy pasta dish in no time.
1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Aim for al dente—it should be firm to the bite. Once ready, drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a splash of pasta water if you want to adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Meanwhile, season the chicken pieces generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, ensuring each morsel is coated in flavor.
3. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook in a single layer, letting it brown undisturbed for a couple of minutes before stirring. Continue to cook for about 5–7 minutes until the chicken is golden all over and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
4. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic, cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and red chili flakes. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring gently until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and marinara sauce, using a spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken and intensify in flavor.
6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat each piece in the flavorful sauce. Add the cooked pasta and gently mix until all ingredients are well combined and heated through, creating a cohesive, saucy dish.
7. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta, then cover the skillet with a lid. Let it sit for 2 minutes, giving the cheese time to melt into a gooey blanket.
8. Once the cheese is fully melted, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately with a generous helping of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHICKEN MOZZARELLA PASTA
After all that love in the skillet, you’ll want to present your Chicken Mozzarella Pasta in a way that honors its melty glory. Serving this dish is about more than just plating—it’s an experience. Think about the colors, the textures, and even the little extras that can turn a simple meal into a memorable feast. Here are some ideas to make your presentation pop and elevate every bite:
- Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette. The refreshing crunch and bright citrus notes cut through the richness of the cheese, creating a lovely balance on the palate.
- Serve alongside warm garlic bread or a crispy baguette. A quick brush of garlic butter and a sprinkle of parsley, toasted until golden, gives you the perfect vehicle for mopping up every last drop of that luscious tomato sauce.
- Offer a wine pairing featuring a chilled glass of white wine—think a zesty Pinot Grigio or a buttery Chardonnay. Their acidity and fruitiness highlight the vibrant tomato flavors and complement the creamy mozzarella.
- Garnish with an extra drizzle of olive oil and a handful of microgreens or fresh arugula. Not only does this add a peppery bite and gorgeous visual contrast, but it also brings a hint of freshness that elevates each forkful.
HOW TO STORE CHICKEN MOZZARELLA PASTA
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or simply saving leftovers for a future craving, proper storage will keep your Chicken Mozzarella Pasta tasting just as vibrant and cheesy as when you first made it. Avoid soggy noodles and rubbery cheese by following these simple guidelines. They’ll help you maintain that creamy texture and robust tomato flavor, so every reheated portion feels fresh and delicious.
- Refrigerator Storage: Transfer cooled pasta into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. If the sauce seems thick after chilling, stir in a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to restore its creamy consistency.
- Freezer Storage: For longer preservation, place the pasta in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Separate Cheese: If you know you’ll be storing leftovers, consider keeping the mozzarella separate from the pasta. Add it fresh when reheating so that the cheese melts evenly and retains its gooey texture.
- Reheating Tips: Warm refrigerated or thawed pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring in a little broth to loosen the sauce. This method gives you more control over texture than the microwave and prevents the cheese from becoming rubbery.
CONCLUSION
From the first glance at its bubbling cheese to that satisfying stretch of mozzarella, Chicken Mozzarella Pasta delivers on every level—comfort, flavor, and ease. We’ve walked through the vibrant cast of ingredients, each playing its part from the subtle kick of red chili flakes to the aromatic hug of garlic and basil. You’ve seen how to coax perfect al dente pasta, sear chicken to a golden finish, blend a tangy tomato sauce, and crown it all with melty mozzarella. Trust in these steps, and you’ll have a weeknight masterpiece that feels like a warm embrace on your plate. Don’t forget to print out this article and tuck it into your recipe binder or bookmark it for future reference—your future self will thank you on busy evenings when you need a reliable crowd-pleaser.
If you ever find yourself with questions—about ingredient swaps, cooking times, or how to adapt this for extra servings—check out the FAQ below. And once you’ve given this recipe a whirl, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment, share your tweaks, or ask for help if you hit a snag. Your feedback not only helps me improve but also creates a community of home cooks cheering each other on. Happy cooking, and here’s to many more cheesy, chicken-filled dinners ahead!
Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
Description
Tender chicken meets bubbling mozzarella, juicy cherry and sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich marinara, all twirled through al dente pasta for a creamy, flavorful dinner in minutes.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
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Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and red chili flakes. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
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Pour in the chicken broth and marinara sauce, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
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Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and gently mix until all ingredients are well combined and heated through.
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Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the cheese melt, about 2 minutes.
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Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Note
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and Italian herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
- You can substitute mozzarella with Fontina or Gouda for a different cheese flavor.
- Add some spinach or arugula just before serving for extra greens.
- This dish pairs deliciously with a glass of chilled white wine.
