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Homemade Chicken Mozzarella Pasta photo

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a quick, flavorful meal combining juicy chicken, gooey mozzarella, and vibrant cherry tomatoes for a perfect weeknight dinner.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 8 oz pasta of your choice (spaghetti, penne, fusilli, etc.)
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese cubed
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped (for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your 8 oz pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  • Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
  • In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, dried basil, and oregano. Let the tomatoes cook down for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices, creating a light sauce.
  • Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta with the tomato and garlic mixture. If the sauce seems a bit dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  • Turn off the heat and fold in the fresh mozzarella cubes. The warmth from the pasta and chicken will soften the cheese, creating delicious pockets of creamy goodness throughout the dish.
  • Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the top and add grated Parmesan cheese to taste. Serve immediately for the best melty, gooey experience.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Colander
  • Tongs or pasta fork

Notes

  • Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
  • Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
  • Reheat leftovers gently to maintain mozzarella’s creamy texture.
  • Try substituting mozzarella with provolone or fontina for different flavors.