Description
Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breast, creamy mozzarella, and perfectly cooked pasta, all smothered in a rich, savory tomato sauce. This dish is a wonderful balance of textures and flavors, offering juicy chicken, gooey cheese, and a deliciously zesty sauce. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy or a dish to impress guests, Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is the perfect choice. It’s simple to make but packed with flavor, making it a go-to recipe for busy days and special occasions alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Here’s what you’ll need to make Chicken Mozzarella Pasta:
- 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded or sliced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and half of the oregano and basil.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until they are fully cooked and golden brown on the outside. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
Prepare the Pasta:
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- Sauté Garlic and Herbs: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add a little more olive oil if necessary. Sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, along with the remaining oregano and basil. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.
Assemble the Dish:
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
- Add Chicken and Cheese: Place the sliced chicken on top of the pasta and sauce, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Cover the skillet and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
- Serve: Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 500-550 kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 40g