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
- Prepare Ingredients:
- Cube chicken, mince garlic, and chiffonade basil.
- 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.
- Deglaze the Pan:
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet and scrape up browned bits with a spatula.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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