Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is your new go-to 30-minute dinner. It’s a simple, one-pan wonder featuring tender chicken and pasta smothered in a rich, garlicky sauce with melted mozzarella. For another quick creamy chicken dish, try the Chicken With Spinach and Mushrooms in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe. It’s a comforting, family-friendly meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
PrintCreamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Garlic Mozzarella Cream Sauce
This creamy pasta dish features tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a rich mozzarella cream sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner with Italian-inspired flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Method: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 8 oz farfalle or penne pasta
- 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained with 2 Tbsp oil reserved
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into thin strips
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream or half-and-half
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded or cubed
- 1 Tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 lemon, juiced (optional for brightness)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat reserved sun-dried tomato oil over high heat. Add chicken strips, season with salt, pepper, and paprika; cook for 2 minutes. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, onion, and garlic; cook and stir for 2 more minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and lemon juice (if using). Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce to simmer.
- Add cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, basil, red pepper flakes, and additional salt to taste. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in mozzarella cheese until melted and sauce is creamy. Remove from heat and let sit for 1-2 minutes to thicken. Garnish with extra basil or cheese if desired.
Notes
Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed. For extra flavor, add cooked bacon crumbles. Use fresh mozzarella for a softer melt.
Nutrition
- Calories: 850
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 50g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to two days. For best results, combine everything with the freshly cooked pasta just before serving to maintain the ideal texture of the sauce and melted mozzarella.
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers make an excellent substitute, offering a similar sweet and tangy flavor. You could also use a tablespoon of tomato paste for a deeper tomato note, though the texture will be different. The dish will still be a delicious Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning in the sauce?
Add the minced garlic to the pan only after the chicken is cooked and removed. Cook it for just 30-60 seconds over medium heat until fragrant before adding the cream. This technique ensures the garlic flavor infuses the Garlic Mozzarella Cream Sauce without turning bitter.
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