ULTIMATE CHICKEN MOZZARELLA PASTA

Craving that comforting, cheesy goodness that satisfies your soul after a long day? Imagine tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and melty mozzarella all coming together in a symphony of flavors. This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe is your answer, and I promise, it’s easier to make than you think!

The Star Players: Your Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
• 6 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, for garnish

Let’s Get Cooking: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is evenly coated!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside. Don’t worry about getting a super deep sear – we just want it cooked!

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. While the chicken is cooking, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. That starchy water is liquid gold for thickening sauces!

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Watch it closely, you don’t want it to burn!
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This will create a roux, which is the base for your creamy sauce.
3. Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. If you do get a few lumps, don’t panic! Just keep whisking and they’ll eventually dissolve.
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. If it’s too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

1. Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
2. Stir in the mozzarella cheese until it starts to melt and become gooey.
3. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately. Get ready for some serious cheesy goodness!

Tips and Tricks for Pasta Perfection

The Secret to Creamy Sauce:

The key to a smooth, lump-free sauce is to whisk constantly while adding the milk and chicken broth. If you’re still having trouble, you can use an immersion blender to smooth out any lumps.

Pasta Water is Your Friend:

Don’t skip reserving that pasta water! It’s packed with starch and will help thicken the sauce and make it extra creamy. Add it a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Spice it Up:

Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. You can also add other spices like paprika or oregano for extra flavor.

Cheese Please:

Fresh mozzarella is a must for this recipe! It melts beautifully and has a wonderful creamy texture. You can also use other types of cheese, like provolone or fontina, for a different flavor profile.

Variations to Make it Your Own

Add Veggies:

Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Sauté some spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers before adding the chicken. They’ll add color, flavor, and nutrients to your dish.

Make it Gluten-Free:

Simply use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.

Use Different Protein:

Not a fan of chicken? You can also use shrimp, sausage, or even tofu in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread. It’s also great for meal prepping – just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Other Pasta Dishes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like these other delicious pasta dishes:

• Try this Boursin Chicken Pasta for a creamy and flavorful twist.
• For a comforting and cheesy dish, check out this Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni Ultimate.
• If you’re looking for an easy casserole, this Chicken Parmesan Casserole Perfect is a great option.
• Spice things up with this Tuscan Chicken Pasta for a taste of Italy.
• For a fun and unique dish, try this Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread.

Why This Recipe Works: The Science Behind the Deliciousness

This recipe combines simple ingredients in a way that creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile. The chicken provides protein and a savory base, while the pasta adds carbohydrates for energy. The creamy sauce is made with butter, flour, milk, and cheese, which all contribute to its richness and flavor. The mozzarella cheese melts beautifully and adds a gooey, cheesy texture that is simply irresistible.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chicken Mozzarella Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or enjoying a quick and easy lunch.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, you can microwave the pasta for a few minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if needed to prevent it from drying out. Be careful not to overheat it, as the cheese can become rubbery.

Final Thoughts: Your Culinary Adventure Awaits

This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create a delicious and comforting meal that your family and friends will love. So gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to unleash your inner chef. I know you can do it, and I can’t wait to hear how it turns out!