Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Pasta | YumAndJoy

Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Pasta

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

  1. Boil Pasta – Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat Oil – In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
  2. 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

  1. Sauté Onion & Garlic – In the same pan, cook onion until soft, then add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  2. Deglaze & Simmer – Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits.
  3. Add Cream & Cheese – Stir in heavy cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan, mixing until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine & Serve

  1. Add Chicken & Pasta – Return chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss until fully coated.
  2. 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!

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Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Pasta

Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Pasta


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  • Author: asma
  • 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

Units Scale

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

  1. 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

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Season chicken with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika.
  3. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic, cooking for 30 seconds.
  2. Sprinkle in flour (if using) and whisk for 1 minute to create a light roux.
  3. Slowly pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, whisking until melted and creamy. Add red pepper flakes if using.

4. Combine & Serve

  1. 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.
  2. 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
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