Cheesy Chicken Mozzarella Delight

$To make Chicken Mozzarella Pasta, you need a few key ingredients. Each one adds flavor and texture to the dish. - Chicken breasts and pasta - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 oz. penne pasta - Cheese selections - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Flavor boosters (herbs and spices) - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Cooking essentials (oil, salt, and pepper) - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients come together to create a rich and tasty meal. The chicken gives protein, while the pasta provides heartiness. Mozzarella and Parmesan add creaminess and depth. Fresh herbs bring brightness. Each item plays its part in making this dish a favorite. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Boiling the pasta Start by filling a large pot with salted water. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add the 8 oz. of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. 2. Seasoning the chicken While the pasta cooks, take 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season them with salt and pepper. Add half of the dried oregano and basil. Make sure to rub the seasoning well into the chicken for better flavor. 3. Cooking the chicken breasts Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color and ensure they are fully cooked. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into bite-sized pieces. 1. Sautéing garlic and making the sauce In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Now, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté until fragrant, which takes about 1 minute. Next, pour in 2 cups of diced tomatoes. Add the leftover oregano, basil, and, if you like some heat, red pepper flakes. Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes. You want the sauce to thicken slightly. 2. Combining pasta, chicken, and sauce Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything well to coat the pasta evenly. Then, stir in the sliced chicken along with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Mix until all ingredients are combined. 3. Melting the cheese Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top of the dish. Cover the skillet with a lid. Let it cook over low heat for about 3 to 4 minutes. This lets the cheese melt and become bubbly. Once it's gooey and delicious, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your savory Chicken Mozzarella Pasta! - Achieving perfectly cooked chicken: Start with chicken that is at room temperature. This helps it cook evenly. Season your chicken well with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Cook each breast for 5-7 minutes on medium heat. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F. Let it rest before slicing. This keeps it juicy. - Best practices for pasta texture: Always boil your pasta in salted water. This enhances its flavor. Cook the penne until it is al dente, which means it should have a slight bite. Drain it but do not rinse. Rinsing removes the starch that helps the sauce stick. - Additional herbs and spices: You can add more flavor by using fresh herbs. Fresh basil or parsley works great. If you like it spicy, consider adding more red pepper flakes. A pinch of Italian seasoning can also deepen the taste. - Recommended wine pairings: A light white wine pairs well with this dish. Try a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines match the cheese and chicken nicely, making your meal even more enjoyable. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil can elevate the flavor of your dish significantly. Add it just before serving for the best aroma and taste. Perfect Pasta Cooking: Make sure to salt your water generously when cooking pasta. It enhances the flavor of the pasta itself. Chicken Resting Time: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices and keeps it tender. Cheese Melting Technique: Covering the skillet while the cheese melts creates a steaming effect that ensures even melting and a gooey texture. {{image_2}} You can swap out the mozzarella cheese for other tasty options. Cheddar adds a sharp flavor, while gouda gives a smoky taste. For a creamier feel, try ricotta. Any cheese will work, as long as you enjoy it. When it comes to pasta, penne is great, but you can use other types too. Bowtie or fusilli pasta also works well. They hold the sauce nicely and add fun shapes to your dish. You can even try whole wheat or chickpea pasta for a healthier twist. If you need a gluten-free meal, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. You can also use zucchini noodles for a lighter choice. For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken. Add more veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Sauté them with garlic for extra flavor. You’ll still get a delicious and satisfying dish without meat. To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the chicken mozzarella pasta before sealing. This keeps the flavors fresh. Your dish stays tasty for up to three days in the fridge. Remember to label the container with the date. For the best reheating, warm the pasta in a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. You can also microwave it. If you choose this method, cover it to avoid drying out. If you want to save it for longer, freezing works well too. Divide the pasta into portions and place them in freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as you can. This helps prevent freezer burn. The pasta can last up to three months in the freezer. Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They are juicier than breasts. This adds more flavor. Just cook them the same way. Cut them into bite-sized pieces after cooking. You can serve this dish with a side salad. Garlic bread pairs well too. Roasted vegetables add a nice touch. A glass of white wine works great, too. Yes, you can make it ahead. Cook everything, then store it in the fridge. Reheat it when ready to serve. The flavors will still be delicious. To make it spicier, add more red pepper flakes. You can also use spicy sausage instead of chicken. A dash of hot sauce will give it extra heat. This blog post covers a delicious Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe. We discussed key ingredients and simple steps for perfect cooking. I shared tips on enhancing flavors and adjusting for diets like gluten-free. Storing leftovers was also covered to keep meals fresh. In the end, this dish is versatile and easy. With a few tweaks or swaps, you can enjoy it your way. Dive in and make this meal your favorite comfort food.$

Cheesy Chicken Mozzarella Delight

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring chicken, mozzarella, and a flavorful tomato sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 oz penne pasta
2 cups diced tomatoes
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 2 grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 2 red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
3 tablespoons olive oil
to taste Salt and pepper
for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and half of the oregano and basil.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Pour in the diced tomatoes, add the remaining oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat with the tomato sauce.
Stir in sliced chicken and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, mixing until everything is evenly combined.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the cheese to melt for about 3-4 minutes over low heat.
Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove from heat.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls, topping each with additional chopped fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a finishing touch.

Keyword cheesy, chicken, mozzarella, pasta