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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
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.
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.