If you love easy, cheesy, and ultra-flavorful pasta dishes, this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is about to become your new favorite! 🍝🧀 With tender, seasoned chicken, gooey melted mozzarella, and a rich tomato-based sauce, this dish is the perfect weeknight comfort meal.
It’s quick to make (ready in 30 minutes!), incredibly satisfying, and perfect for feeding a hungry family. Serve it with garlic bread and a side salad, and you’ve got an Italian-inspired dinner that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Super Cheesy & Creamy – That melty mozzarella makes every bite irresistible.
✔️ Quick & Easy – A 30-minute meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
✔️ One-Pan Wonder – Less cleanup, more flavor!
✔️ Family-Friendly – A dish everyone will love, even picky eaters.
Ingredients for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti work well)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Optional Add-Ins & Variations
- Sautéed mushrooms – for extra umami.
- Spinach or kale – to sneak in some greens.
- Sun-dried tomatoes – for a tangy twist.
- Crumbled bacon – because bacon makes everything better.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and cooked chicken.
Step 4: Assemble the Pasta
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top and cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese melts.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot with garlic bread and a fresh salad.
🍝 Enjoy the cheesy, saucy goodness! 🧀✨
Servings & Cooking Time
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
Variations & Substitutions
1. Creamier Version
- Add more heavy cream or a splash of cream cheese for extra richness.
2. Spicy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
- Add extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
3. Low-Carb or Keto Option
- Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
4. Vegetarian Version
- Replace chicken with mushrooms, tofu, or roasted eggplant.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
How to Store
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Heat on medium-low with a splash of cream or broth.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Just reheat before serving and add a little cream to refresh the sauce.
3. What type of pasta works best?
Penne, rigatoni, and spaghetti all work great!
4. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! Use about 4-5 fresh tomatoes, diced.
5. What’s the best mozzarella to use?
Use low-moisture shredded mozzarella for a better melt.
6. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free cheese substitute.
7. Can I make this in the Instant Pot?
Yes! Sauté the chicken, add the ingredients, and pressure cook for 5 minutes.
8. How do I make the sauce thicker?
Let it simmer longer, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).
9. Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach would be great additions.
10. What wine pairs well with this dish?
A light red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully!
Final Thoughts on Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is the perfect combination of cheesy, creamy, and flavorful—all in one pan and under 30 minutes! Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight, a date night, or just because you’re craving pasta, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
🔥 Make this tonight and thank me later! 🍝🧀✨
Have you tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments!