Tangy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Creamy, cheesy chicken mozzarella pasta brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Tender chicken and melted mozzarella dance together in a delightful pasta embrace.

The harmonious blend of herbs and rich sauce creates a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of protein and pasta goodness.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this simple yet spectacular dish.

You won’t be able to resist the irresistible combination of juicy chicken and stretchy mozzarella.

Prepare to savor every single bite of this crowd-pleasing classic.

FAQs

• Why use half-and-half in this recipe?

Half-and-half creates a rich, creamy sauce without being too heavy. It helps the mozzarella melt smoothly and gives the pasta a luxurious texture that’s not overly thick or runny.

• Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! Shrimp, turkey, or even tofu work great in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose to ensure it’s cooked properly.

• Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can control the spice level. Use less or skip them entirely if you prefer a milder flavor. The dish is more about creamy, savory notes than intense spiciness.

• How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Keep the heat low when adding half-and-half and mozzarella. Remove the pan from direct heat when whisking the cheese, and don’t let it boil. Gentle heating helps maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.

Why Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Works So Well

• Transform ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal culinary skills required.
• Adapt this recipe for picky eaters by adjusting spice levels or swapping ingredients, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
• Swap chicken for shrimp, add vegetables, or experiment with different cheeses to make this recipe uniquely yours without compromising the delicious creamy texture.

Ingredients for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

• Chicken: Tender sliced meat that provides protein and creates a hearty main component of the dish.

• Penne Pasta: Classic tubular pasta that catches sauce beautifully and serves as the base of the recipe.

• Half-and-Half, Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy ingredients that create a rich, smooth sauce with melted cheese texture.

• Garlic, Basil, Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Ingredients that add depth, brightness, and concentrated tomato flavor to the pasta dish.

• Salt, Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes: Spices that provide warmth, subtle heat, and essential seasoning to balance the dish's flavors.

• Pasta Water: Starchy water reserved from cooking pasta that helps adjust sauce consistency and enhance overall dish texture.

• Olive Oil: Neutral oil used for sautéing ingredients and providing a smooth cooking base.

How to Make Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook penne in generously salted water until perfectly tender.

Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water before draining, which will help create a silky smooth sauce later.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken

• Salt
• Paprika

Ensure each piece gets an even coating for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature.

Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.

Gently cook for about one minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Cook Chicken

Increase skillet heat to high.

Add seasoned chicken and sear each side quickly, creating a golden crispy exterior while maintaining juicy interior.

Remove chicken from pan once cooked.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce

Reduce skillet heat.

Pour half-and-half into pan and bring to gentle simmer.

Remove from heat and whisk in mozzarella until completely smooth and velvety.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Return chicken and sun-dried tomatoes to skillet.

Add cooked pasta, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes.

Toss everything together, ensuring pasta gets completely coated with creamy sauce.

Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.

Step 7: Final Touches

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or red pepper flakes.

Garnish with extra fresh basil.

Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and luxurious.

Tips for Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Reserve half a cup of starchy pasta water to adjust sauce consistency, creating a silky, perfectly coated dish without dryness.
• Use high heat and brief cooking time to achieve a golden crust while maintaining juicy, tender chicken interior.
• Gently warm half-and-half and avoid boiling to keep the creamy sauce smooth and prevent unwanted curdling.
• Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes briefly to release aromatic oils without burning, adding depth to the overall taste profile.
• Sprinkle fresh basil just before serving to boost visual appeal and introduce a bright, fresh flavor contrast to the rich, creamy pasta.

Storing Mozzarella Chicken Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken stays fresh and safe to eat.
• Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months, preserving the dish's flavors and texture.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to restore creaminess. Stir gently to prevent sticking and maintain sauce consistency.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.

What Pairs with This Pasta Dish

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy mozzarella sauce and cut through the richness of the chicken.
• Herb-Infused Side Companion: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to contrast the pasta's creaminess and add a fresh, peppery note that enhances the dish's overall flavor profile.
• Textural Crunch Addition: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or crispy breadcrumbs on top to introduce a delightful crunch that balances the smooth sauce and tender chicken, creating a more complex eating experience.
• Refreshing Drink Match: Serve a sparkling lemonade or citrus-infused water to provide a bright, zesty counterpoint to the rich and creamy pasta, helping to cleanse the palate between bites.

Chicken Pasta Twists You Can Try

• Gluten-Free Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: Replace traditional penne with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate gluten sensitivities without compromising flavor.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Swap pasta entirely with spiralized zucchini noodles, creating a lighter, vegetable-based alternative that reduces carbohydrate content while maintaining the dish's creamy essence.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute half-and-half with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast or dairy-free mozzarella alternative to create a creamy sauce suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals or plant-based diets.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Enhance the recipe by adding kalamata olives, increasing red pepper flakes, and incorporating oregano to give the dish a more intense Mediterranean flavor profile with a robust kick.