Description
Make this Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta in just 30 minutes! A rich, cheesy, and satisfying one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Try this easy recipe today!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz pasta of choice (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the sliced chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
2. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes before adding shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes thick and creamy.
5. Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well.
- Add cooked pasta, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce.
- If using spinach or cherry tomatoes, add them now and let them cook for a minute until slightly wilted.
6. Serve and Garnish:
- Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the pasta.
- Serve warm with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit chicken and add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, mozzarella pasta recipe, quick pasta dinner, one-pan chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner