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
Everything Needed For Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
For the Main Protein:For the Dairy and Cheese:For the Flavor Enhancers and Pasta: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
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FAQ Guide For Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
Yes, you can substitute with fettuccine, penne, or linguine. Choose pasta with texture that will hold the creamy sauce well.
Provolone or fontina can replace mozzarella. For parmesan, try romano or asiago cheese for similar flavor profiles.
Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F. Chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas.
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
- 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
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
- Prepare chicken by patting dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt and pepper.
- 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.
- Remove chicken from skillet, let rest on a cutting board, and slice into thin strips once cooled slightly.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Cook pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium-low and gradually stir in mozzarella and parmesan cheeses until smooth and creamy.
- Add sliced chicken back into the sauce, then gently fold in cooked pasta, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- If sauce seems too thick, incorporate reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- 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
Contributing Writer
Expertise
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.