Indulge in this rich and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, melty mozzarella, and a touch of Parmesan. Seasoned with aromatic herbs and simmered in a luscious cream sauce, this dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner—ready in just 25 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy – Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Ultra-creamy sauce – A blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream.
- Family-friendly – Loved by both kids and adults.
- One-pan option – Minimal cleanup for a stress-free meal.
- Customizable – Add veggies or swap proteins for variety.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, chopped
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini)
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil Pasta – Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat Oil – In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Sauté Chicken – Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- Sauté Onion & Garlic – In the same pan, cook onion until soft, then add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Deglaze & Simmer – Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add Cream & Cheese – Stir in heavy cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan, mixing until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
- Add Chicken & Pasta – Return chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss until fully coated.
- Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add extra red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Veggie Boost – Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Lighter Version – Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or half-and-half.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta.
- Extra Cheesy – Add provolone or gouda for more richness.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing – Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating – Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken works well—just stir it in at the end.
What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Penne, fettuccine, or rotini hold the sauce well.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free version.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer longer or stir in 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Adding a little butter or cream cheese helps.
How do I make it extra creamy?
Add a spoonful of cream cheese or extra mozzarella.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Reheat gently to prevent the sauce from separating.
What sides go well with this dish?
Try garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a fresh green salad.
Can I use fresh mozzarella?
Yes! Tear it into small pieces so it melts evenly.
What’s the best way to add more flavor?
Try adding pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Conclusion
Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Pasta is a quick, indulgent dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal-prepping for the week, this rich and cheesy pasta is sure to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
PrintCreamy Mozzarella Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in this rich and creamy mozzarella chicken pasta, featuring tender chicken, melty mozzarella, and a touch of Parmesan in a garlic-infused, herb-seasoned sauce. This quick and comforting pasta dish is ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for a thicker sauce)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
. Cook the Pasta
- Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic, cooking for 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle in flour (if using) and whisk for 1 minute to create a light roux.
- Slowly pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, whisking until melted and creamy. Add red pepper flakes if using.
4. Combine & Serve
- Return cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet, tossing everything in the creamy sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve warm. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Want a lighter option? Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired