EASY CHICKEN MOZZARELLA PASTA

Tired of the same old boring dinners? Imagine twirling your fork into a mountain of perfectly cooked pasta, coated in a luscious tomato sauce, studded with juicy chicken, and blanketed with melted, gooey mozzarella – that’s Chicken Mozzarella Pasta! This dish is pure comfort food, amped up with flavor and incredibly simple to make, and I promise you, it’ll become a family favorite in no time.

The Dream Team: Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into cubes
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil, for garnish

Getting Started: Prep is Key!

Before you even think about turning on the stove, let’s get everything organized. This is a trick I learned from my grandma – having all your ingredients measured and ready to go makes cooking so much smoother and less stressful. Chop your onion, mince your garlic, cube your mozzarella, and cut up the chicken. Trust me, future you will thank you!

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water. This is liquid gold – don’t throw it out! It helps to create a creamy sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

1. In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook the chicken until it’s cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

1. Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and chicken broth.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the sauce.
2. Stir in the cooked pasta.
3. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
4. Remove from heat and gently stir in the mozzarella cubes. The residual heat will melt the cheese, creating that amazing, gooey texture.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
2. Get ready for smiles all around!

Tips and Tricks for Pasta Perfection

Okay, let’s talk about some ways to really elevate this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta. I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that I want to share with you.

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Nobody likes mushy pasta! Cook it al dente, which means “to the tooth” in Italian. It should be slightly firm when you bite into it.
• Use good quality mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella is the way to go for the best flavor and melt. Avoid pre-shredded mozzarella, as it often contains cellulose that prevents it from melting properly.
• Spice it up! If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken.
• Add some veggies: Feel free to toss in some sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Make it ahead: This dish is great for meal prepping! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in the microwave or oven before serving.

Variations to Make it Your Own

Feeling adventurous? Let’s explore some fun variations on this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe! After all, cooking should be all about experimenting and finding what you love.

• Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: For an extra creamy sauce, stir in a dollop of mascarpone cheese or heavy cream at the end.
• Pesto Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: Add a few tablespoons of pesto to the sauce for a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor.
• Baked Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish, top with extra mozzarella cheese, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Try it with different cheeses! Provolone or fontina would also be delicious in this recipe.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, here are a few serving suggestions:

• Garlic bread: A classic pairing that’s always a hit.
• Side salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will add some freshness to the meal.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts would be a healthy and delicious addition.

More Pasta Inspiration

If you’re a pasta lover like me, you’re always on the lookout for new and exciting recipes. Here are a few of my other favorites that I think you’ll enjoy. Have you ever tried Marry Me Shrimp Pasta? It’s another guaranteed crowd-pleaser! And for the garlic bread fans, you must try the Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls. For a quick and easy noodle dish, check out the Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles. If you are in the mood for a comforting rice dish, Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice is a great option. For more cheesy chicken recipes, you might also like the Mozzarella Chicken Recipe or the Parmesan Chicken Pasta.

Storage Instructions: Saving Leftovers (If There Are Any!)

In the unlikely event that you have leftovers (seriously, this stuff disappears fast!), here’s how to store them properly:

• Refrigerator: Store the Chicken Mozzarella Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the pasta in the microwave or oven until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out.

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Dinner!

So there you have it – my recipe for easy and delicious Chicken Mozzarella Pasta. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. I hope you love it as much as my family does! Now go forth and create some pasta magic! Happy cooking!