Cheesy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

$To make Chicken Mozzarella Pasta, you will need the following: - 300g penne pasta - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish) You can enhance the dish even more with these optional ingredients: - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Toasted pine nuts for crunch These extras give your pasta a richer taste and a nice texture. This dish serves four and offers a balanced meal. Here’s a quick look at what you get per serving: - Calories: Approximately 450 - Protein: About 30g - Carbohydrates: Around 50g - Fats: About 15g This meal provides good protein from chicken and healthy fats from olive oil. Enjoy it as a hearty dinner option! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add 300g penne pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. You want it to be al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite. It usually takes about 10-12 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Set it aside for later. Next, grab a large skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken breasts. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes. You want it to be browned and fully cooked. Stir it often to cook evenly. Now it’s time to bring everything together. First, add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it to smell good but not burn. Then, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for around 2-3 minutes. They should start to soften. Next, mix in the drained pasta. Toss everything together well. Gently fold in 1 cup of halved fresh mozzarella balls. They will melt a bit and blend nicely. Taste the dish and add more salt or pepper if needed. For a creamier touch, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Finally, remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped basil. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Mozzarella Pasta! To get juicy chicken, use boneless, skinless breasts. Dice them into small, even pieces. This helps them cook evenly and fast. Heat your skillet over medium heat before adding olive oil. Wait until the oil shimmers. This step seals in the juices. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes. It should be golden brown, and the inside should be fully cooked. If you cut a piece, the juices should run clear. Season the chicken with salt and pepper early. This adds flavor right from the start. Dried oregano and basil give a nice touch. Use fresh garlic for a bold taste. Sauté the garlic just until fragrant. This helps release its natural oils. For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. It adds heat without overpowering the dish. Taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to fit your liking. Presentation makes a big difference. Serve the pasta in wide bowls for a beautiful look. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top to make it shine. Sprinkle fresh basil for a pop of color. If you want more texture, add toasted pine nuts. They give a nice crunch. For cheese lovers, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can elevate the dish even further. Enjoy your meal with a side of crusty bread for a complete experience. Pro Tips Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh chicken and high-quality mozzarella to enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Cook Pasta Perfectly: Ensure to cook the pasta al dente so it retains a slight firmness, which helps it hold up in the dish. Layer Flavors: Add the garlic after the chicken for a more aromatic base that will infuse the entire dish with flavor. Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a unique twist and added freshness. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of Chicken Mozzarella Pasta. Just swap the chicken for chickpeas or diced tofu. These options add protein and keep the dish filling. Use the same spices and ingredients to keep it flavorful. You’ll still get that creamy taste with fresh mozzarella. Adding vegetables boosts the nutrition of your pasta. Try adding spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Chop them finely and toss them in with the chicken. This method cooks them quickly and keeps them tender. You can also roast the cherry tomatoes for a sweeter flavor. These veggies make your meal colorful and healthy. If you want a creamier dish, use heavy cream or cream cheese. After you add the pasta, pour in the cream and mix well. This step gives the dish a rich texture. You can also add a little more mozzarella to enhance that cheesy goodness. The result is a creamy, dreamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta that everyone will love. To keep your Chicken Mozzarella Pasta fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the pasta cools down before sealing. This helps to avoid steam buildup, which makes the pasta soggy. Store the container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, proper storage is key. When you’re ready to eat your leftovers, it’s easy to reheat. You can use the microwave or a skillet. For the microwave, place the pasta in a bowl, cover it loosely, and heat for about 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to make sure it warms evenly. If you choose a skillet, add a splash of water, cover it, and heat over medium for 5-7 minutes. Stir often to avoid sticking. Freezing this dish is a great option for meal prep. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, scoop it into a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as it may expand when frozen. Seal it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Enjoy the taste of this delicious meal even days later! Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Any short pasta works well, like fusilli or rotini. These shapes hold the sauce nicely. You can also use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary. To make Chicken Mozzarella Pasta healthier, try these tips: - Use whole grain pasta for more fiber. - Swap olive oil for a light cooking spray. - Reduce the cheese or use part-skim mozzarella. - Add more veggies like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrients. These simple changes can keep the dish tasty while cutting some calories. If you don't have fresh mozzarella, try these options: - Use low-fat mozzarella for less fat. - Try provolone cheese for a stronger flavor. - Cottage cheese can work if you want a creamy texture. - Shredded cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack can also be used. Each option will add a unique taste to your dish. This blog post covered how to cook a delicious Chicken Mozzarella Pasta. We looked at the ingredients, including optional ones for more flavor, and shared nutritional info. The step-by-step instructions helped you cook the pasta and sauté the chicken correctly. I gave tips for perfect chicken texture and tasty seasonings. We also explored variations, like vegetarian options and adding veggies. Lastly, I shared the best ways to store and reheat your dish. Now you can enjoy a great meal or impress your guests!$

Cheesy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

A delicious pasta dish featuring tender chicken, fresh mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

300 g penne pasta
2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
to taste salt and pepper
0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced chicken breasts, season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to soften, around 2-3 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. Gently fold in the mozzarella balls until they are slightly melted and integrated into the dish.
Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. For extra creaminess, you can mix in grated Parmesan cheese.
Remove from heat, and garnish with freshly chopped basil before plating.

Notes

Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and extra fresh basil for garnish.

Keyword cheesy, chicken, mozzarella, pasta