Description
Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a comforting, cheesy dish that combines tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a quick, indulgent meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded or torn into pieces
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
Instructions
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/75°C). Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest before slicing into strips.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Stir in dried basil and red pepper flakes (if using). Let simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
- Combine the pasta and chicken: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce.
- Add the mozzarella: Turn heat to low, sprinkle fresh mozzarella over the pasta, cover, and cook for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and becomes gooey.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.
- For a spicier version, increase red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños to the sauce.
- Use provolone, fontina, or a combination of cheeses for a different flavor.
- For a creamier version, add ½ cup of heavy cream to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
