One Pot Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: A Comfort Food Classic Made Easy

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Are you looking for a satisfying, hearty meal that doesn’t require hours of preparation and a sink full of dishes? Look no further than One Pot Chicken Mozzarella Pasta. This creamy, flavorful dish brings together tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella, and perfectly cooked penne in one pot for the ultimate comfort food experience. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become your go-to.

Why You’ll Love One Pot Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Sometimes, cooking can feel like a chore. But with this recipe, you’ll enjoy:

  • Minimal cleanup: Only one pot is needed.
  • Quick and easy preparation: Perfect for weeknight dinners.
  • Rich flavors: A balance of savory chicken, tangy marinara, and creamy cheese.
  • Customizable ingredients: Add your favorite veggies or spices.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

IngredientQuantity
Penne pasta1 lb.
Olive oil2 Tablespoons
Chicken breasts (cubed)2, skinless and boneless
Salt and pepperTo taste
Garlic (minced)2 cloves
Marinara sauce25 oz.
Red pepper flakes (optional)½ teaspoon
Chicken broth1 ½ cups
Cream cheese (room temperature)⅓ cup
Fresh mozzarella (cubed)8 oz.
Basil leaves (chiffonade)12 leaves

Step-by-Step Guide to Making One Pot Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

1. Prep Your Ingredients

Before you begin, ensure all your ingredients are prepped:

  • Cube the chicken breasts.
  • Mince the garlic cloves.
  • Cut the mozzarella into cubes and chiffonade the basil leaves.

2. Brown the Chicken

  • Heat olive oil in a large, high-walled skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the cubed chicken to the skillet and season with salt and pepper.
  • Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust.
  • Flip the pieces and cook until golden on all sides. Set aside.

3. Deglaze the Pan

  • Add chicken broth to the same skillet.
  • Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits of chicken stuck to the bottom. These bits are packed with flavor!

4. Create the Sauce

  • Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the marinara sauce and cream cheese. Mix until the cream cheese is fully incorporated into the sauce.
  • If you prefer a little heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes.

5. Cook the Pasta

  • Add the penne pasta directly into the sauce, ensuring it is submerged.
  • Cover the skillet partially and let the pasta cook according to package instructions (about 10–12 minutes), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Combine and Melt

  • Reduce the heat to low and return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
  • Gently stir in the fresh mozzarella cubes, letting them warm and melt slightly. This creates a gooey, cheesy texture that coats every bite.

7. Garnish and Serve

  • Sprinkle the chiffonade basil leaves on top for a fresh, aromatic finish.
  • Serve hot, and enjoy your delicious One Pot Chicken Mozzarella Pasta!

Tips for Success

  1. Choose Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality marinara sauce and mozzarella for the best flavor.
  2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooking can make the chicken dry. Cook just until golden.
  3. Stir Frequently: Prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot by stirring occasionally.
  4. Customize the Recipe: Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):

NutrientAmount
Calories450-500
Protein35g
Carbohydrates40g
Fat18g
Fiber4g

FAQs About One Pot Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

1. Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?

Yes! While penne works well, you can substitute it with rigatoni, farfalle, or even whole-grain pasta.

2. What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese?

You can replace cream cheese with heavy cream or ricotta for a slightly different texture and flavor.

3. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Absolutely. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Reheat it on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to refresh the sauce.

4. Is This Dish Freezer-Friendly?

While the pasta can become softer after freezing, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

5. How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?

  • Use whole-grain pasta.
  • Opt for low-fat cream cheese.
  • Add more vegetables like zucchini or kale.

6. What Should I Serve With It?

Pair this dish with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Rotation

This recipe isn’t just about saving time—it’s about creating a dish that feels indulgent without the hassle. Every bite of One Pot Chicken Mozzarella Pasta offers comfort, flavor, and satisfaction. Plus, the one-pot method means you’ll spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your meal.

Try It Tonight!

There’s no need to overcomplicate dinner. With its bold flavors and simple preparation, One Pot Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is the recipe you’ve been searching for. So, grab your ingredients, heat up your skillet, and get ready to impress your family or guests with this one-pot wonder.

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One Pot Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: A Comfort Food Classic Made Easy


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  • Author: Stacy
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

This creamy, cheesy One Pot Chicken Mozzarella Pasta combines tender chicken, rich marinara, gooey mozzarella, and perfectly cooked penne for a comforting, flavorful meal. Ready in under an hour with minimal cleanup, it’s the ultimate one-pot wonder for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.


Ingredients

  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cubed
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 25 oz marinara sauce
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth
  • ⅓ cup cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cubed
  • 12 fresh basil leaves, chiffonade

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients:
    • Cube chicken, mince garlic, and chiffonade basil.
  2. Cook Chicken:
    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Add cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook undisturbed for 5 minutes until golden-brown. Flip and cook until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  3. Deglaze the Pan:
    • Pour chicken broth into the skillet and scrape up browned bits with a spatula.
  4. Make the Sauce:
    • Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
    • Stir in marinara sauce and cream cheese. Mix until smooth.
    • Sprinkle in red pepper flakes if desired.
  5. Cook Pasta:
    • Add penne directly into the sauce, ensuring it is submerged.
    • Cover partially and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
  6. Combine Ingredients:
    • Lower heat and return cooked chicken to the skillet.
    • Stir in mozzarella cubes gently, allowing them to melt slightly for a gooey texture.
  7. Garnish and Serve:
    • Top with fresh basil. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use high-quality marinara and mozzarella for the best flavor.
  • Stir pasta occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Customize by adding spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: One-Pot Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

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