Are you looking for a flavorful, comforting dish that will please both your family and your guests? Look no further than this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe. It's a rich, cheesy, and slightly spicy dish that combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella in a delightful pasta meal. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home. Read on to discover the secrets to making this delicious dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
What is Chicken Mozzarella Pasta?
Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a delectable pasta dish that features succulent chicken tenderloins, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a creamy sauce made from half-and-half, mozzarella cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. The dish is seasoned with a blend of spices including paprika, garlic, basil, and a touch of red pepper flakes, which give it a delightful kick. The result is a dish that's both comforting and satisfying, making it a perfect choice for dinner on a cool evening or when you're in the mood for something rich and indulgent.
Ingredients List for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
Before you start cooking, it’s essential to gather all the ingredients. Here's what you'll need:
- 8 oz penne pasta: The pasta serves as the base of this dish, and penne is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce.
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins, sliced: Chicken tenderloins are the star protein in this recipe, providing a juicy and tender bite in every forkful.
- ¼ teaspoon each salt and paprika: These seasonings help to flavor the chicken and give it a slightly smoky taste.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic adds a depth of flavor to the dish, balancing out the richness of the cheese and cream.
- 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Sun-dried tomatoes offer a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the creamy sauce and mozzarella.
- 2 tablespoon olive oil: Olive oil is used to sauté the chicken and garlic, infusing them with flavor and helping to create the base of the sauce.
- 1 cup half-and-half (or ½ cup cream + ½ cup milk): This forms the creamy base of the sauce, making it rich and luscious.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully into the sauce, giving it a stretchy, cheesy texture that's irresistible.
- 1 tablespoon dried basil: Basil adds an aromatic, herbal note to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste): Red pepper flakes add a bit of heat, balancing the richness of the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste): Salt enhances all the flavors, making the dish come together beautifully.
- ½ cup reserved pasta cooking water: This starchy water helps to thicken the sauce and bind it to the pasta.
Substitutions and Variations
While the classic Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is incredibly delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to customize the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
- Pasta: If you don't have penne pasta, you can easily substitute it with other pasta shapes like fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be used for a healthier or gluten-free version.
- Chicken: While chicken tenderloins are ideal for this recipe due to their tenderness, you can also use chicken breasts or thighs. For a quicker option, consider using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you don't have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use cherry tomatoes or even canned diced tomatoes. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
- Cheese: Mozzarella is the go-to cheese for this dish, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Parmesan, Fontina, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels by adding more or less red pepper flakes. You could also add a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Vegetables: Add some vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to boost the nutritional content of the dish. Simply sauté them with the garlic before adding the chicken.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
To make the perfect Chicken Mozzarella Pasta, follow these simple steps:

- Cook the pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season the sliced chicken tenderloins with ¼ teaspoon of salt and paprika. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and sauté for another 2 minutes. The tomatoes will begin to soften and release their flavor into the garlic.
- Make the sauce: Pour the half-and-half (or the cream and milk mixture) into the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Melt the cheese: Gradually add the shredded mozzarella cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
- Season the sauce: Add the dried basil, red pepper flakes, and an additional ¼ teaspoon of salt to the sauce. Stir to combine all the flavors.
- Combine the pasta and chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Pour in the reserved pasta cooking water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed.
- Final adjustments: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes according to your preference.
How to Cook Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is straightforward, but there are a few tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
- Cook pasta al dente: Make sure to cook your pasta al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. This ensures that the pasta will hold up well when mixed with the sauce and chicken.
- Season the chicken well: Properly seasoning the chicken with salt and paprika before cooking helps to build a strong flavor base for the dish. Don’t skip this step!
- Don’t overcook the garlic: Garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it while it’s sautéing. Burnt garlic can make the sauce taste bitter, so it’s better to cook it just until fragrant.
- Gradually add the cheese: Adding the mozzarella cheese gradually helps it to melt smoothly into the sauce without clumping. Stir constantly for a creamy, luscious sauce.
- Use pasta water wisely: The reserved pasta cooking water is essential for loosening up the sauce and helping it adhere to the pasta. Add it slowly until you achieve the perfect consistency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Chicken Mozzarella Pasta comes out perfectly, be aware of these common mistakes:
- Overcooking the pasta: Overcooked pasta can become mushy and won’t hold up well in the dish. Always cook pasta al dente.
- Burning the garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, so be sure to sauté it over medium heat and watch it carefully.
- Not seasoning the chicken enough: Under-seasoned chicken can make the dish taste bland. Make sure to use enough salt and paprika to flavor the chicken.
- Adding too much pasta water: While pasta water is great for loosening the sauce, adding too much can make the sauce watery. Add it a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation is key when serving Chicken Mozzarella Pasta. Here are some tips to make your dish look as good as it tastes:
- Garnish with fresh basil: A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal aroma that complements the dish.
- Use a large serving bowl: Serving the pasta in a large, wide bowl allows the sauce and ingredients to be evenly distributed and easily served.
- Top with extra cheese: For a cheesy presentation, sprinkle some extra shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil over the finished dish adds a beautiful sheen and enhances the flavors.
How to Serve Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a rich and hearty dish that pairs well with lighter sides. Here are a few ideas for serving:
- Garlic bread: A slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Simple salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
- Steamed vegetables: Serve the pasta with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for added color and nutrition.
Presentation Ideas for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
For an extra special touch, consider these presentation ideas:
- Individual servings: Plate the pasta individually for each guest, garnished with basil and a dusting of Parmesan.
- Family-style serving: Serve the pasta in a large, decorative bowl in the center of the table, allowing everyone to help themselves.
- Rustic style: Serve the pasta in a cast-iron skillet or a rustic ceramic dish for a cozy, homey feel.
Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe Tips
To make this dish truly outstanding, keep these tips in mind:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, high-quality mozzarella, and fresh basil will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
- Prep ingredients beforehand: Having all your ingredients prepped and ready will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Don’t rush the sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer gently to fully develop its flavors. Patience is key for a creamy, flavorful sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make Chicken Mozzarella Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time, but for the best texture, it’s recommended to cook the pasta fresh. If making ahead, keep the pasta and sauce separate, and combine them just before serving.
2. How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
3. Can I freeze Chicken Mozzarella Pasta?
While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the pasta may change after freezing and reheating. If you do freeze it, make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. What can I use instead of half-and-half?
You can use a mixture of equal parts heavy cream and milk as a substitute for half-and-half. If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can use all milk, but the sauce will be less creamy.
5. How can I make this dish spicier?
To make the dish spicier, simply add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Conclusion
Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, it’s the perfect comfort food for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is a surefire hit. Try it today and experience the deliciousness for yourself!
PrintChicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe
This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe features tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce with mozzarella. Cooked in one pan, it's a deliciously easy dinner. Keywords: chicken mozzarella pasta, creamy chicken pasta, quick dinner recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins, sliced
- 1⁄4 tsp salt
- 1⁄4 tsp paprika
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 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)
- 1⁄2 cup reserved pasta cooking water
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water and drain the rest.
- Season chicken with ¼ teaspoon salt and paprika.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in half-and-half, bring to a simmer, then stir in mozzarella cheese until melted.
- Add cooked chicken back to the pan, along with dried basil, red pepper flakes, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir to combine.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach the desired consistency.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra basil or cheese if desired.
Notes
- Substitute half-and-half with a mix of cream and milk for a richer sauce.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- Use freshly grated mozzarella for better melting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
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