Easy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for an easy, delicious meal to whip up on busy weeknights. That’s where this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta comes in. It’s hearty, cheesy, and just all-around amazing. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that makes you feel like a total rockstar in the kitchen without actually working too hard.

I first tried this recipe on a random Tuesday when I had chicken breasts in the fridge and a block of mozzarella begging to be used. Let’s just say it was love at first bite. Since then, it’s become a staple in my house. It’s great for family dinners, and the leftovers (if there are any) reheat beautifully for lunch the next day. The kids love it, my partner can’t get enough, and honestly, it’s so good I’ve been guilty of sneaking a few bites straight from the skillet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this incredible Chicken Mozzarella Pasta:

For the chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the pasta:

• 12 ounces penne pasta (or your favorite shape)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, but adds a nice kick)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

How to Make Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

This recipe is as simple as it is satisfying. Let me walk you through it.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain it and set it aside. You’ll want to save a bit of that starchy pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later. Pro tip: Give the pasta a quick toss with a little olive oil after draining to keep it from sticking together while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until it’s golden brown and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. If you want an extra layer of flavor, you can deglaze the skillet with a splash of chicken broth before moving on to the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add another 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Then, add the drained diced tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly. The aroma at this point is absolutely mouthwatering.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well-coated in the sauce. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top and stir gently until it’s melted and gooey. You can also pop the skillet under the broiler for a couple of minutes to get that bubbly, golden cheese crust—so worth it if you have the time.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish your Chicken Mozzarella Pasta with fresh basil or parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Serve it hot and watch everyone’s faces light up as they dig in. Bonus points if you pair it with some warm garlic bread or a simple side salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s Quick: From start to finish, you can have this dish on the table in about 30 minutes. Perfect for when you’re juggling work, school pickups, and everything else life throws your way.
• It’s Flexible: Don’t have penne? Use whatever pasta you have on hand. Out of heavy cream? Half-and-half works in a pinch. Feeling adventurous? Add some sautéed veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for a burst of color and nutrition.
• It’s a Crowd-Pleaser: Who doesn’t love a cheesy, hearty pasta dish? Even picky eaters will come back for seconds. My youngest, who’d live on chicken nuggets if he could, actually requests this dish!

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente is the way to go. It’ll soak up some of the sauce and stay perfectly tender.
• Use Fresh Mozzarella: If you can get your hands on a fresh block of mozzarella to shred yourself, do it. The flavor and meltability are unmatched.
• Adjust the Heat: If you’re not into spicy foods, feel free to skip the crushed red pepper flakes. On the other hand, if you like a kick, you can always add more.
• Layer Your Flavors: A pinch of extra Italian seasoning or even a dash of Parmesan cheese can take this dish to the next level.

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to bring the sauce back to life. I’ve also been known to turn leftovers into a baked pasta dish by tossing them in a casserole dish, topping with extra cheese, and baking at 350°F until bubbly.

Personal Notes

This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta has become one of my go-to meals because it checks all the boxes: simple, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s also one of those dishes that’s perfect for tweaking. Sometimes I’ll add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to sneak in some veggies. Other times, I’ll swap the chicken for shrimp or sausage just to mix things up. One time, I even added some sun-dried tomatoes, and it was a total hit!

The best part? My family loves it. There’s something about cheesy pasta that feels like a big, warm hug after a long day. And honestly, who couldn’t use more hugs? Even my picky eater, who normally inspects every bite, dives into this dish without hesitation.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy, amazing dinner idea, give this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta a try. It’s a recipe that’ll make you feel like a kitchen superstar, even if you’re short on time. So grab your skillet and get cooking – your taste buds will thank you! And don’t forget to let me know how it turned out. I’d love to hear your twists and takes on this cozy, cheesy favorite.