Chicken Mozzarella Pasta – Indulge in the heavenly combination of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and melty mozzarella cheese with our irresistible Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe. This dish is a celebration of flavors, featuring sautéed garlic, aromatic basil, and a touch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice. The creamy sauce binds it all together, creating a dish that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Get ready to dive into a bowl of comfort and satisfaction!
There’s something magical about finding a recipe that becomes an instant hit with your loved ones. In our household, the Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is that recipe. I remember the first time I cooked it for my husband and little family, their eyes lit up with joy as they took their first bite. The combination of juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and the creamy mozzarella sauce made it an unforgettable experience. Since then, it has become a regular feature on our dinner table, bringing smiles and contentment to our evenings together. It’s not just a meal; it’s a cherished tradition that brings us closer as a family.
Why This Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Will Amaze You?
- Irresistible Flavors: The sautéed garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic basil create a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with delight.
- Creamy Dreamy Sauce: The combination of half-and-half, mozzarella cheese, and a touch of red pepper flakes gives this dish a luxuriously creamy texture that will make you crave every bite.
- Easy-to-Find Ingredients: With simple and readily available ingredients like chicken breast tenderloins, penne pasta, and basic pantry staples, you can whip up this delectable dish in no time.
- Versatility: This recipe allows for customization to suit your preferences. Feel free to adjust the spice level with more or less red pepper flakes, or add some fresh veggies to enhance the nutritional profile.
Ingredients:
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 oz. sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb. chicken breast tenderloins, sliced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup half and half (or ½ cup heavy cream + ½ cup milk)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (avoid using fresh mozzarella)
- 8 oz. penne pasta (for gluten-free option, use gluten-free brown rice pasta)
- 1 tablespoon basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup reserved cooked pasta water (or more if needed)
- ¼ teaspoon salt, to taste
Directions:
In a large skillet, sauté minced garlic and drained sun-dried tomatoes in 2 tablespoons of the reserved olive oil from the sun-dried tomato jar for about 1 minute on medium heat until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Set aside the sun-dried tomatoes, but keep the olive oil in the skillet.
Season the sliced chicken with salt and paprika, then add it to the skillet. Cook on high heat for 1 minute on each side until lightly browned. Remove the skillet from heat.
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Remember to reserve some cooked pasta water before draining.
Slice the sun-dried tomatoes into smaller pieces and return them to the skillet along with the chicken.
Pour the half and half into the skillet, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat to simmer and continue stirring until all the cheese melts, creating a luscious creamy sauce.
Add the cooked and drained penne pasta to the skillet, combining it with the creamy sauce.
Stir in the basil and at least ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes, adjusting the spice level to your liking.
If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add about ½ cup of the reserved cooked pasta water to the skillet, stirring until desired consistency is reached.
Season the chicken pasta with salt and additional red pepper flakes, if desired. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Notes:
- Substitutions: If you don’t have half and half, you can use a combination of heavy cream and milk in equal parts. Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta, such as gluten-free brown rice pasta, for those with dietary restrictions.
- Customization: This recipe offers room for personalization. Enhance the nutritional value by adding fresh vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You can also adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Creamy Sauce Consistency: The creamy sauce tends to thicken as it sits. To maintain the desired consistency, add a little more reserved cooked pasta water when reheating leftovers.
- Nutritional Information: The calorie count and nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients and serving sizes. It’s always a good idea to consult a nutritionist or use online tools to calculate the nutritional information based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes.
In conclusion, our Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe is a culinary masterpiece that combines the richness of tender chicken, the tanginess of sun-dried tomatoes, and the creaminess of melted mozzarella cheese. With each bite, you’ll be transported to a realm of exquisite flavors and comforting textures. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish will impress and satisfy even the most discerning palates.
The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make this recipe a go-to choice for busy individuals who crave a homemade meal bursting with flavor. The versatility of the dish allows for customization, whether it’s incorporating your favorite vegetables or adjusting the level of spiciness to suit your taste.
Gather your loved ones around the table, and let the aroma of this delectable dish fill the air. Share stories, create memories, and savor each spoonful of this Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta. It’s not just a recipe; it’s an experience that brings people together and reminds us of the joy of good food and cherished moments.
So, what are you waiting for? Embark on a culinary adventure and prepare this irresistible pasta dish. Elevate your dining experience with the perfect blend of flavors, the creamy sauce, and the love you pour into every step of the preparation. Get ready to create lasting memories and ignite your passion for cooking with our Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe. Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh mozzarella cheese instead of shredded?
No, it’s best to use pre-shredded mozzarella cheese in this recipe. Fresh mozzarella has a different texture and moisture content, which can affect the overall consistency of the creamy sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, you can prepare it partially in advance. Cook the chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and pasta ahead of time, then refrigerate them separately. When ready to serve, reheat the ingredients and proceed with making the creamy sauce for the ultimate freshness.
Can I freeze leftovers?
While it’s possible to freeze leftovers, the creamy sauce may separate and become grainy upon thawing and reheating. For the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to enjoy this dish fresh or consume the leftovers within a day or two.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and replace it with your favorite vegetarian protein alternative, such as tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. The rest of the recipe remains the same, ensuring a delicious and satisfying vegetarian version of the dish.
What can I serve with Chicken Mozzarella Pasta?
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a fresh green salad or some crusty bread for a more filling experience. A side of steamed vegetables or roasted asparagus would also complement the flavors of the pasta.
Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
Ingredients
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- 4 oz. sun-dried tomatoes drained
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb. chicken breast tenderloins sliced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup half and half or ½ cup heavy cream + ½ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese avoid using fresh mozzarella
- 8 oz. penne pasta for gluten-free option, use gluten-free brown rice pasta
- 1 tablespoon basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup reserved cooked pasta water or more if needed
- ¼ teaspoon salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, sauté minced garlic and drained sun-dried tomatoes in 2 tablespoons of the reserved olive oil from the sun-dried tomato jar for about 1 minute on medium heat until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Set aside the sun-dried tomatoes, but keep the olive oil in the skillet.
- Season the sliced chicken with salt and paprika, then add it to the skillet. Cook on high heat for 1 minute on each side until lightly browned. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Remember to reserve some cooked pasta water before draining.
- Slice the sun-dried tomatoes into smaller pieces and return them to the skillet along with the chicken.
- Pour the half and half into the skillet, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to simmer and continue stirring until all the cheese melts, creating a luscious creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked and drained penne pasta to the skillet, combining it with the creamy sauce.
- Stir in the basil and at least ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes, adjusting the spice level to your liking.
- If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add about ½ cup of the reserved cooked pasta water to the skillet, stirring until desired consistency is reached.
- Season the chicken pasta with salt and additional red pepper flakes, if desired. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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