Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

This chicken mozzarella pasta is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy tomato sauce paired with tender chicken and melted cheese is always a crowd-pleaser and comes together quickly.

I usually throw this together when I’m craving something cozy but don’t want to order takeout. It quickly became a family favorite after the first try.

Ingredients

• Pasta: such as penne holds the sauce well choose a good quality brand for better texture
• Chicken breast: provides lean protein cut into bite sized pieces for quick cooking
• Olive oil for sautéing: adds richness pick extra virgin if possible
• Garlic: gives a fragrant base freshly minced is best for flavor
• Dried Italian herbs: bring a classic Mediterranean taste use a well balanced blend including oregano and basil
• Crushed tomatoes: form the sauce choose tinned tomatoes with no added salt or sugar for freshness
• Heavy cream: creates a luscious smooth sauce full of body
• Salt and pepper for seasoning: balance enhance the natural flavors
• Mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully lending gooey creaminess use shredded for easy incorporation
• Parmesan cheese: adds sharpness and depth freshly grated is worth the extra effort
• Fresh basil leaves: garnish for bright herbal notes pick vibrant green unblemished leaves
• Optional red pepper flakes: bring a subtle kick use sparingly if you like heat

Instructions

Cook The Pasta:

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water following package directions until just al dente This ensures it will hold texture without getting mushy when tossed in the sauce Drain and set aside but reserve a little pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later

Brown The Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Add the bite sized chicken pieces Season with salt pepper and dried Italian herbs Cook evenly until golden brown on all sides and cooked through about 5 to 7 minutes Transfer the chicken to a plate keeping the flavorful browned bits in the pan

Sauté Garlic:

In the same skillet add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant but not burnt This step releases the aromas and deepens the flavor base for the sauce

Simmer The Tomatoes:

Pour in the crushed tomatoes Stir then let the mixture simmer gently for five minutes This gives time for the flavors to marry and the sauce to thicken slightly

Add The Cream:

Pour in the heavy cream Stir and simmer for a further 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce is rich and creamy The cream balances acidity and adds body

Combine Chicken And Sauce:

Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet Stir to coat all the chicken well in the creamy tomato sauce

Toss With Pasta:

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet Gently toss until all the pasta is thoroughly coated in the sauce If the sauce seems too thick add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen

Melt The Cheeses:

Sprinkle both mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the pasta Stir gently until the cheeses melt completely and create a smooth cheesy coating

Garnish And Serve:

Remove the pan from heat Tear fresh basil leaves over the top and if you like a little zing sprinkle with red pepper flakes Serve hot and enjoy a satisfying meal full of flavor

My favorite part is the melted mozzarella which brings a gooey texture that just makes the dish feel indulgent The first time I made this I couldn’t stop sneaking bites while cooking which made me realize how addictive the combination is

Storage Tips

Cool the pasta completely before storing in an airtight container Refrigerate and consume within three days for best freshness Gently reheat with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess

Ingredient Swaps

Try swapping chicken breast for thigh meat for juicier bites Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy free version Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture

Serving Ideas

Pair with a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness Include crusty garlic bread on the side for a classic Italian touch A glass of chilled white wine complements the creamy sauce nicely

This chicken mozzarella pasta is a quick comforting meal that's perfect any night of the week Enjoy the creamy rich flavors with your favorite pasta for a satisfying dish

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Penne pasta is ideal as it holds the creamy sauce well, but you can also use other short pastas like rigatoni or fusilli.

→ Can I use different cheeses instead of mozzarella?

Mozzarella provides a creamy melt, but blending in fontina or provolone can add a different depth of flavor while maintaining creaminess.

→ How can I make the sauce spicier?

Adding red pepper flakes during or after cooking enhances the heat, letting you control the spice level to your taste.

→ Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?

You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead, then toss with freshly cooked pasta just before serving to keep textures fresh.

→ What are good vegetable additions to this dish?

Sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms blend nicely into the sauce and add extra nutrients and colors.