Okay, let’s be real. We all have those nights where the thought of cooking a complicated meal is just…exhausting. What is the point of this article?Chicken Mozzarella Pasta:What’s the best version of mac and cheese? How much you loved your mom as a kid? How do I get that same comfort food feeling, but with flavors that will actually work. Is this incredibly flavorful, surprisingly easy to make, and a total crowd-pleaser? Is it better than marinara sauce? Recipe over and over again.

What is Chicken Mozzarella Pasta?

Think of Chicken Mozzarella Pasta:What is a creamy, cheesy hug in your bowl? It’s essentially pasta tossed in a luscious sauce made with cream, garlic, and of course, lots of veggies. Then, we add in tender, juicy chicken pieces that have been perfectly browned. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It’s not overly complicated, doesn’t require a ton of fancy ingredients, and yet, it delivers just as much. What is the name of a company? What is the best thing to do without spending hours in the bathroom? What is the perfect mid-week pick-me-up? Is it essentially a deconstructed Chicken Parmesan in pasta form, but only faster and, dare I say, even better? What are some of the

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start?Chicken Mozzarella Pasta?Is it versatile? The creamy sauce is rich and garlicky, the mozzarella melts into gooey perfection, and the chicken is tender and tender. Adds a savory depth that is just so satisfying. My family loves it when I serve it hot, but it is also great the next day cold. The best part? Is this recipe easy to make? I’m not kidding! This one’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Plus, it is pretty cost-effective. Chicken breasts and pasta are generally budget-friendly, and you probably already have most of the ingredients. What are some of the other ingredients in your pantry? What are some ways to customize a menu? What are some of the best recipes for spicy food? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. What are some good sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of sweetness? Is it better to make a Chicken Alfredo? Honestly, my kids ask for this.Chicken Mozzarella Pasta:All the time – and that’s saying something! I’ve used it for birthdays and other special occasions!

How do you make chicken mozzarella pasta?

Quick Overview

Making this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta:Is it surprisingly simple to cook the pasta and brown the chicken? While those are doing their thing, you’ll whip up the creamy, garlicky sauce. If you just toss everything together with the mozzarella, let it melt into gooey goodness, and you’re done. What’s the best part about cleaning up? Don’t be intimidated by other recipes that require all sorts of steps. What is the streamlined process to pasta perfection?

Ingredients

For the Chicken:
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. I like using chicken breasts because they’re lean, but you can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Just make sure they’re boneless and skinless. * 1 tablespoon olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to, but any neutral oil will work. * 1 teaspoon garlic powder. I always use garlic powder, but you could use fresh garlic, minced, if you prefer. * 1/2 teaspoon salt. Sea salt or kosher salt are my favorites. * 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Freshly ground is always best!For the Pasta:
* 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle work well). I usually use penne because it holds the sauce really well, but feel free to use your favorite. Is gluten free pasta good?What is the Mozzarella Sauce?
* 2 tablespoons butter is preferred, so you can control the saltiness of the sauce. * 2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is key here! * 1 cup heavy cream. Why don’t you skimp on the heavy cream? It’s what makes the sauce so rich and decadent. I tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier! * 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Freshly grized Parmean is always best! * 1/4 teaspoon salt. * 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Add more to taste, if needed. * 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cubed. Fresh mozzarella is a must! What is that signature cheesy flavor? If you can’t find fresh, the bagged, shredded stuff will work in a pinch.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions. About 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water is liquid gold for thickening the sauce!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. The chicken will continue cooking in the next step.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. What is Parmesan cheese? Cook until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. This is a critical step to achieving clumpy and creamy end result!

Step 5: Add the Mozzarella

Stir in mozzarella cheese until it starts to melt and become gooey. Cover the skillet for a minute or two to help the mozzarella melt faster. What is the magic of life?

Step 6: Serve

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or basil, if desired. What are some of the best cheesy, creamy bite

What should I serve it with?

This Chicken Mozzarella PastaWhat are some of the best ways to round out a meal?For a Simple Side:What is a good green salad with lemon vinaigrette? It adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. I often make a Caesar salad or if I’m feeling fancy, eat grilled chicken with lemon vinaigrette.For Something Heartier:What are some good crusty garlic bread recipes? If you want to get fancy, you can make homemade bruschetta. I made garlic bread with mine last night.For a Veggie Boost: Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or sautéed spinach are all great options. I often toss in a handful of spinach directly into the pasta during the last minute of cooking so it can wilt and combine well.

For a Dessert:What is the best way to end a meal? Think fresh berries with whipped cream or a scoop of lemon sorbet. Sometimes I bake a small batch of cookies or brownies! When I am making it for my family, I just serve it as is. On the other hand, when guests come over, I like to make garlic bread and salad. Is it really just me or who I am serving?

How do I make chicken mozzarella pasta?

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this.Chicken Mozzarella Pasta:What is even more amazing is that theDon’t overcook a chicken: Don Dry, rubbery chicken is a total buzzkill. Make sure to cook it just until it’s cooked through. It will continue to cook in the sauce, so don’t worry about it being completely cooked. My grandmother always told me to take the protein out a little earlier, and she was always right.

Salt Pasta Water: How do you salt your pasta This is a must! Salting the water seasons the pasta from the inside out. I usually add about a tablespoon of salt per gallon of water.

Don’t Skimp on the Garlic: Garlic is the backbone of this dish. Don’t be afraid to add a little extra! I usually use two cloves, but if you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to add three or four. I also use garlic powder in the chicken, to add to the flavor profile.

Use Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella is so much better than the pre-shredded stuff. It melts beautifully and adds a creamy, milky flavor that is just divine. If you can find it, use the fresh mozzarella balls packed in water.

Don’t Let the Sauce Boil: Boiling the cream sauce can cause it to separate and become grainy. Keep the heat low and simmer gently. This one messed me up for the first few times before I found the right settings.

Garnish Generously: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. I also like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. I also find that a small drizzle of olive oil does wonders.

If you can’t find fresh basil, dry basil works too, but it just isn’t the same!

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is best served fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Here’s how to store it properly:

Room Temperature: I would not recommend this at all!

Refrigerator Storage: Let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent the pasta from drying out.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta for up to 2 months. Divide the pasta into individual portions and wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Glaze Timing Advice: I always advise to add a tiny bit of heavy cream (1/2 tablespoon) or milk before you reheat!

To reheat, simply microwave the pasta until heated through, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, absolutely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta. I’ve tried it with a few different brands and they all work well. Just be sure to cook the pasta according to the package directions.

Can I use a different cheese?

Of course! While mozzarella is the star of the show, you can definitely experiment with other cheeses. Provolone, fontina, or even a little bit of Gruyère would all be delicious.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to this dish. Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli all work well. I usually add them during the last few minutes of cooking so they don’t get overcooked.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can! You can make the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time, then store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the pasta and combine everything together. This is a lifesaver when you’re short on time!

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make this vegetarian by simply omitting the chicken. You can add some extra vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, to make it more filling.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, incredibly easy to make, and endlessly customizable. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or anytime you’re craving some comfort food. The flavor is just out of this world. Once you try it, it’s hard to go back! If you enjoyed this one, you might also like my One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies, or my Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think, or share your own variations of this recipe. Don’t forget to rate the recipe if you loved it!