Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe

The Creamiest Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe Ever Made

Crafting a delectable mozzarella chicken pasta promises pure culinary magic that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Melted cheese and tender chicken create an irresistible combination everyone craves.

Weeknight dinners deserve something special, and this recipe delivers incredible flavor in minutes.

Home cooks seeking comfort and satisfaction will adore how simple ingredients blend into something extraordinary.

Creamy sauce coats perfectly cooked noodles, offering a warm embrace of deliciousness.

Rich textures and robust seasonings guarantee a meal that feels both indulgent and effortless.

Grab a fork and prepare to be amazed by this crowd-pleasing masterpiece that turns an ordinary evening into a gourmet experience.

Why Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Feels So Rich

  • Quick and Simple Cooking: Master a delicious meal with straightforward steps that even beginner cooks can tackle confidently.
  • Versatile Dinner Solution: Perfect for satisfying hungry families or impressing guests with minimal kitchen stress and maximum flavor.
  • Restaurant-Quality Taste at Home: Create a creamy, cheesy chicken pasta dish that rivals professional restaurant offerings without complicated techniques.
  • One-Pan Convenience: Minimize cleanup by using the same skillet for multiple cooking stages, making this recipe a smart choice for busy home cooks.

Everything Needed For Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

For the Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: A tender and lean protein that provides a hearty base for the dish and absorbs the rich, creamy sauce.
For the Dairy and Cheese:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: These cheeses create a smooth, creamy sauce with a rich, tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the pasta.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and helps create a velvety sauce that coats the pasta and chicken.
For the Flavor Enhancers and Pasta:
  • Olive Oil: Provides a foundation for searing the chicken and sautéing the garlic with a light, fruity undertone.
  • Garlic: Brings a pungent and aromatic flavor that deepens the sauce's complexity.
  • Pasta: Serves as the perfect vehicle for the creamy sauce and chicken, offering a satisfying texture.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds depth and savory notes to the sauce, enhancing its overall flavor profile.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that highlight and balance the dish's flavors.
  • Basil Leaves: Provides a fresh, herbal garnish that adds brightness and visual appeal.

How To Cook Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Chicken for Searing

Pat chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and create a delicious crust.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it starts to shimmer. Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot pan. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 3: Rest and Slice Chicken

Transfer chicken to a cutting board. Allow it to rest for a few minutes to help retain juices. Once slightly cooled, slice the chicken into thin, elegant strips.

Step 4: Create Aromatic Garlic Base

In the same skillet used for chicken, add minced garlic. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the delicate garlic.

Step 5: Develop Creamy Sauce Foundation

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir thoroughly to combine and scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 6: Cook Pasta to Perfect Texture

In a separate pot, cook pasta according to package instructions until it reaches al dente. Drain the pasta, but reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.

Step 7: Create Smooth Cheese Sauce

Reduce skillet heat to medium-low. Gradually stir in mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.

Step 8: Combine Chicken and Pasta

Add sliced chicken back into the sauce. Gently fold in cooked pasta, ensuring every piece is evenly coated with the luxurious sauce.

Step 9: Adjust Sauce Consistency

If the sauce appears too thick, slowly incorporate the reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect creamy consistency.

Step 10: Finish and Garnish

Sprinkle freshly torn basil leaves over the dish. Add an extra dusting of parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors.

Pro Tips For Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

  • Dry Chicken Perfectly: Pat chicken thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy, golden-brown sear without steaming.
  • Sear with Precision: Heat olive oil until shimmering and cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, achieving a beautiful crust and reaching safe internal temperature.
  • Prevent Garlic Burning: Sauté minced garlic briefly (30-45 seconds) over medium heat, stirring constantly to release flavor without scorching.
  • Create Silky Sauce: Gradually stir cheese into warm cream and broth, melting slowly to develop a smooth, creamy texture without clumping.
  • Adjust Sauce Consistency: Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick, ensuring a perfect coating for the pasta and chicken.

Twists On Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta You Can Try

  • Gluten-Free Chicken Pasta: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free zucchini noodles or brown rice pasta for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Low-Carb Chicken Creamy Skillet: Swap pasta with cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables to reduce carbohydrate content and create a keto-friendly meal.
  • Dairy-Free Creamy Chicken: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives for lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Spicy Mexican-Style Chicken Pasta: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and swap parmesan with pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern flavor profile.

Great Pairings For Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

  • Pair Creamy Chicken Pasta with Crisp White Wine: A vibrant sauvignon blanc cuts through the richness of the creamy sauce and complements the chicken's savory notes.
  • Serve Alongside Fresh Herb Salad: A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a zesty contrast to the heavy, cheesy pasta dish.
  • Match with Roasted Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread helps soak up the delicious sauce and adds a satisfying textural component to the meal.
  • Select Refreshing Sparkling Water: A chilled sparkling water with a slice of lemon cleanses the palate between bites and balances the dish's creamy intensity.

Storage Ideas For Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
  • Carefully pack the dish in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date and contents for easy tracking.
  • Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture if needed.
  • Warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring gently.

FAQ Guide For Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute with fettuccine, penne, or linguine. Choose pasta with texture that will hold the creamy sauce well.

  • What cheese alternatives work best?

Provolone or fontina can replace mozzarella. For parmesan, try romano or asiago cheese for similar flavor profiles.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F. Chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas.

  • Is it okay to make this dish ahead of time?

Prepare components separately and combine just before serving. Cream-based sauces can separate if reheated multiple times, so assemble fresh for best results.

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Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe

Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe


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4.5 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Indulgent Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta brings Italian comfort right to home kitchens with rich, melted cheese and tender chicken. Savory herbs and silky sauce promise a delightful meal that satisfies deep cravings and delights dinner companions.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese

Pasta and Base:

  • 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

Seasonings and Aromatics:

  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare chicken by patting dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Remove chicken from skillet, let rest on a cutting board, and slice into thin strips once cooled slightly.
  4. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  5. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  6. Cook pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
  7. Reduce skillet heat to medium-low and gradually stir in mozzarella and parmesan cheeses until smooth and creamy.
  8. Add sliced chicken back into the sauce, then gently fold in cooked pasta, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
  9. If sauce seems too thick, incorporate reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
  10. Garnish with freshly torn basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of parmesan before serving hot.

Notes

  • Pat chicken dry thoroughly to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
  • Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches safe 165°F without overcooking, maintaining juicy texture.
  • Grate fresh mozzarella and parmesan for superior melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
  • Reserve pasta water as a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency and help cheese blend smoothly without clumping.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 720
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 42 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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