There’s something magical about a plate of pasta. It’s not just food—it’s comfort, nostalgia, and joy wrapped into every bite. Now, imagine tender pieces of chicken, creamy mozzarella cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes combined with perfectly cooked penne pasta. That’s what chicken mozzarella pasta is all about: a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Whether you’re making dinner for your family, hosting friends, or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this pasta recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Is Perfect for Any Meal
There’s a reason why pasta dishes like chicken mozzarella pasta are so beloved. They’re hearty, versatile, and bursting with flavor. The creamy sauce, infused with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, complements the tender chicken and al dente pasta. It’s a dish that feels fancy but is simple enough to make on a busy weeknight. Plus, it’s a meal that brings people together—whether it’s for a special occasion or just an ordinary Tuesday dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
To make chicken mozzarella pasta, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples, fresh ingredients, and a few indulgent touches. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Category | Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Pasta | Penne pasta | 8 oz |
| Protein | Chicken tenderloins (sliced) | 1 lb |
| Seasonings | Salt | 1/4 tsp (plus more to taste) |
| Paprika | 1/4 tsp | |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/4 tsp | |
| Dried basil | 1 tbsp | |
| Aromatics | Garlic cloves (minced) | 3 |
| Vegetables | Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped) | 4 oz |
| Oil | Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Dairy | Half-and-half (or 1/2 cup cream + 1/2 cup milk) | 1 cup |
| Mozzarella cheese (shredded) | 1 cup | |
| Liquids | Reserved pasta cooking water | 1/2 cup |
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for chicken mozzarella pasta (serves 4):
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
This dish is a great balance of carbs, protein, and fats, making it both filling and satisfying.
How to Make Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add 8 oz of penne pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions (typically 8–10 minutes).
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken
- Season 1 lb of sliced chicken tenderloins with 1/4 tsp each of salt and paprika.
- Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken slices and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 4 oz of chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet.
- Sauté for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce
- Pour 1 cup of half-and-half into the skillet with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 tbsp dried basil, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/4 tsp salt. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt or red pepper flakes as desired.
5. Combine Everything
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss it in the creamy sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water (a little at a time) until the desired consistency is reached.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix until everything is well-coated.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the chicken mozzarella pasta hot, garnished with additional dried basil or red pepper flakes if desired.
- Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
- Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh garlic and high-quality sun-dried tomatoes make a big difference in flavor. - Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Overcooked chicken can become dry. Cook it just until it’s no longer pink in the center. - Adjust the Spice Level
Add more red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier dish, or leave them out for a milder flavor. - Experiment with Cheese
While mozzarella is classic, you can mix in Parmesan or Gruyère for added richness. - Reserve the Pasta Water
The starch in the reserved pasta water helps create a smooth, silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
1. Creamy and Comforting
The rich, cheesy sauce is pure comfort food at its best.
2. Quick and Easy
You can have this dish on the table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
3. Customizable
Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to pack in extra veggies.
4. Great for Leftovers
Chicken mozzarella pasta reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it the next day.
FAQs About Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Feel free to substitute penne with fettuccine, spaghetti, or even whole-grain pasta.
2. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works great in this recipe.
3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce creamy.
4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and add more veggies like spinach or mushrooms for a meatless version.
5. What can I substitute for half-and-half?
You can use 1/2 cup heavy cream mixed with 1/2 cup milk, or use a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk for a lactose-free version.
6. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion: Make Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Tonight
Chicken mozzarella pasta isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta come together to create a dish that’s comforting, delicious, and easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. So, grab your ingredients and get cooking—you’re about to make something truly amazing!
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Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: A Creamy and Comforting Dish for Any Occasion
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, chicken mozzarella pasta is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or special occasions. Tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese come together in a rich sauce, coating al dente penne pasta for a satisfying, comforting meal.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins, sliced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup half-and-half (or 1/2 cup cream + 1/2 cup milk)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
- 1/4 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8–10 minutes).
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken tenderloins with salt and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant.
- Make the Creamy Sauce
- Add half-and-half to the skillet, followed by shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Mix in dried basil, red pepper flakes, and salt. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce.
- Serve
- Serve the chicken mozzarella pasta immediately, garnished with additional dried basil or red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- If you like a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add more veggies like spinach or mushrooms.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to maintain the creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
