Velvety Creamy Mozzarella & Chicken Pasta

Velvety Creamy Mozzarella & Chicken Pasta is a rich and indulgent dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Enhanced with melty mozzarella and Parmesan, it’s a comforting, restaurant-quality meal you can easily make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy, ready in just 25 minutes.
• A versatile dish that works with your favorite pasta shapes.
• Packed with rich, creamy, cheesy flavors.
• Perfect for family dinners or date nights.
• Easily customizable with additional vegetables or seasonings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, dried basil, and oregano.
3. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and fully cooked.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

1. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Stir continuously until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the sauce.
2. Add the cooked pasta, tossing gently to combine.
3. Use the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if needed, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 6: Season and Serve

1. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
2. Garnish with fresh basil and parsley for a vibrant finish.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes for added nutrition.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
• Use Different Cheese: Substitute mozzarella with provolone or Gruyère for a unique flavor twist.
• Herb Lovers: Incorporate fresh thyme or rosemary into the sauce for additional depth.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the dish without the pasta for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and combine with fresh pasta when reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to restore the sauce’s consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works well. Add it to the sauce when combining with the pasta.

2. What type of pasta works best?

Penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti are great choices, but any pasta shape works.

3. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be slightly less rich.

4. How can I make the sauce thicker?

Allow the cream to simmer longer or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry.

5. Can I substitute fresh basil with dried basil?

Yes, but use half the amount of dried basil as it is more concentrated in flavor.

6. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, replace chicken with roasted vegetables or plant-based chicken alternatives.

7. How do I keep the cheese sauce smooth?

Stir continuously and keep the heat low when adding the cheeses to prevent clumping.

8. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

The sauce is best made fresh, but you can cook the pasta and chicken ahead of time to save prep time.

9. Can I use light mozzarella?

Yes, but it may not melt as smoothly as regular mozzarella.

10. What sides pair well with this dish?

Serve with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Velvety Creamy Mozzarella & Chicken Pasta is a luxurious dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress. With its rich sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese, this pasta is perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or anytime you’re craving something indulgent. Customize it with your favorite add-ins and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

Velvety Creamy Mozzarella & Chicken Pasta

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• Author: fella
• Prep Time: 10min
• Cook Time: 15min
• Total Time: 25min
• Yield: 4 Servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: stovetop
• Cuisine: Italien

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Description

Indulge in this rich and creamy Mozzarella & Chicken Pasta! With tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious cheese sauce, this quick recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

 

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

• Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for the sauce.

2. Cook the Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, dried basil, and oregano. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce

• In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and let the cream thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Melt the Cheeses

• Lower the heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses are fully melted, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.

5. Combine Ingredients

• Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, stirring to coat it in the sauce.
• Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing to combine. Add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, if needed to thin the sauce and evenly coat the pasta.

6. Season and Serve

• Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
• Garnish with fresh basil and parsley (optional) before serving.

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Notes

• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option.
• For added flavor, toss in sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms.
• Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.