Chicken mozzarella pasta is a dish that effortlessly combines the comforting warmth of pasta with the savory goodness of chicken and the irresistible melt of mozzarella cheese. It's a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit various tastes and preferences, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings. This recipe creates a creamy, flavorful sauce that coats every strand of pasta, creating a truly satisfying culinary experience.
Ingredients:
1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle work well)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Combine Everything: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce. Gently toss to coat everything evenly.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Cover the skillet and let it sit for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and gooey.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
Add Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrients. Sauté them with the onions and garlic.
Spice it Up: For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Use Different Cheese: You can substitute provolone or other melting cheeses for mozzarella.
Make it Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before adding the cooked pasta and cheese.
Chicken mozzarella pasta is a classic comfort food that's sure to please everyone at the table. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese, it's a dish that's both satisfying and delicious.