Description
Indulgent chicken mozzarella pasta brings Italian comfort right to your dinner table. Creamy cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly al dente noodles create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 pound or 454 grams)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Cheese:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (penne, fusilli, or any short pasta)
- 2 cups (226 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces or 411 grams) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, following package timing. Strain thoroughly and reserve.
- Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Season chicken with robust blend of salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Sear chicken pieces until exterior develops golden-brown caramelization and interior reaches complete doneness, approximately 6 minutes per side.
- Introduce finely chopped garlic into skillet, allowing aromatics to release for 45-60 seconds without burning.
- Cascade marinara sauce into skillet, gently incorporating with chicken and creating harmonious sauce consistency. Allow gentle simmer for 4-5 minutes.
- Transfer drained pasta directly into sauce, carefully tossing to ensure complete coating and flavor integration.
- Sprinkle mozzarella throughout pasta, stirring until cheese melts completely and creates luxurious creamy texture.
- Immediately transfer to serving platter, garnish with freshly torn basil leaves for vibrant color and enhanced herbal notes. Serve piping hot for optimal taste experience.
Notes
- Toast herbs and spices before adding to enhance their flavor and depth in the dish.
- Use high-quality mozzarella for a creamy, rich texture that melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner protein option that cooks quickly and evenly.
- Substitute marinara with homemade or roasted tomato sauce for a more complex, personalized taste profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 545 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg