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
- 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