Ugh, weeknight dinners, right? They can be such a hustle! Sometimes you just need something *good*, something that tastes like you slaved over it all day, but really only takes about as long as it takes to boil pasta. That’s exactly where my absolute favorite Chicken Mozzarella Pasta comes in. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver! This dish is pure comfort food with gooey, melted cheese, tender chicken, and your favorite pasta all swimming in a rich marinara. It’s speedy, ridiculously easy, and always a total crowd-pleaser in my house.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
Seriously, this recipe is a weeknight warrior! Here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:
- Super Speedy: Ready in about 40 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Incredibly Easy: Minimal steps, basically just cooking pasta, chicken, and mixing everything together. Anyone can do it!
- Pure Comfort Food: Gooey melted mozzarella, savory chicken, and tangy marinara – it’s just delicious.
- So Versatile: Easily add your favorite veggies or kick it up with some spice.
- Kid-Approved: Always a hit with the whole family, picky eaters included!
Gather Your Ingredients for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
Alright, let’s get our mise en place ready! For this super simple Chicken Mozzarella Pasta, you’ll want to grab a few things. It’s mostly pantry staples, which is always a win, right?
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (I love penne or rotini, but use whatever you have on hand!)
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce & Cheese:
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (this is totally optional, but it adds a lovely freshness!)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
Okay, so you’ve got all your goodies ready to go, right? Making this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is honestly a breeze. We’re just going to knock out a few simple steps, and before you know it, you’ll have a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece ready to eat. Trust me, it’s so much easier than it looks!
Prepare the Pasta
First things first, get that pasta cooking! Follow the directions on your package for whatever shape you’re using. Once it’s perfectly al dente, drain it nicely and set it aside. We want it ready to mingle with all that yummy sauce.
Cook the Chicken
Now, let’s get the chicken going. Grab your skillet and crank up the heat to medium-high. Toss in that olive oil – gotta make it nice and hot! Season your chicken pieces with the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Don’t overcrowd the pan, okay? Give them some breathing room so they can get nicely browned on all sides. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes, just until they’re cooked through. A nice golden-brown sear is what we’re after!
A little tip: If your skillet is getting crowded, just cook the chicken in two batches. It makes a world of difference for getting that perfect color and texture. It’s kind of like making sure proteins cook evenly, which is key!
Combine and Sauce
Once the chicken is looking fantastic, pour that jar of marinara sauce right into the skillet with it. Give it a good stir, and let it all come to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes. Now, toss in your drained pasta and stir everything together so every piece is coated in that delicious sauce and cozy with the chicken.
Melt the Cheese
Oh, the best part! Sprinkle that shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese all over the top of the pasta mixture. Now, here’s a little trick: pop a lid on the skillet. Let it sit for just 2-3 minutes. That trapped heat will melt all that glorious cheese into gooey perfection. You want it all melty and bubbly!
Garnish and Serve
If you’re feeling fancy (or just have it on hand!), give it a sprinkle of that fresh chopped basil. It adds such a bright, fresh finish. Then, dish it up right away while it’s hot and steamy!
Tips for the Best Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
Want to make this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta truly sing? A few little tricks can elevate it from good to absolutely incredible! Seriously, don’t skip these! First off, use a good quality jarred marinara or even better, your favorite homemade sauce. The sauce is the backbone here, so a flavorful one makes a huge difference. When you’re cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcook it – nobody likes dry chicken! Also, resist the urge to stir the cheese too much after you add it. Just let it melt slowly. For an extra pop of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce when you’re simmering it. It adds a nice little warmth without making it too spicy. And hey, if you want to jazz it up even more, check out how I do a delicious chicken orzo – similar vibe, different pasta!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
Okay, let’s talk ingredients for this amazing Chicken Mozzarella Pasta! It’s pretty forgiving, which is why I love it so much. The pasta shape is totally up to you – penne, rotini, farfalle, even spaghetti if that’s what you have. Just make sure whatever you pick holds up well to sauce. For the chicken, you can totally swap the breast out for boneless, skinless thighs if you prefer; they’re super flavorful! And the marinara sauce? Use your favorite. If you like things a little spicy, grab a “fra diavolo” style or just toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes when you simmer it. It’s also fantastic with a homemade squash sauce if you’re feeling adventurous, though classic marinara is the way to go for this creamy mozzarella vibe!
Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
Can I make this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta ahead of time?
You can definitely make the chicken and sauce mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just add the cooked pasta and melt the cheese right before serving for the best texture!
What kind of pasta is best for this recipe?
Honestly, any pasta shape that can hold onto sauce works great! Penne, rotini, fusilli, or even shells are fantastic choices because they catch all that cheesy marinara goodness.
How do I store leftover Chicken Mozzarella Pasta?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if it seems a little dry.
Estimated Nutritional Information
Keep in mind these are just estimates, because, you know, cooking is an art and ingredients can vary! But generally, one serving of this delicious Chicken Mozzarella Pasta will run you about 550-650 calories, with around 25-35g of fat, 30-40g of protein, and about 50-60g of carbohydrates. It’s a pretty hearty meal!
Share Your Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Creation!
Alright, now it’s YOUR turn! I really hope you give this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta a try. If you do, please, please, PLEASE let me know how it turns out! Drop a comment below, tell me whatcha thought, or even give it a star rating. Did you add extra veggies? Make it spicy? I’d LOVE to hear all about it. And if you snap a pic (because let’s be real, it looks amazing!), tag me on social media – I can’t wait to see your delicious creations! You can always learn more about what inspires me over on my about page too!
Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta is cooking, season chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Stir to combine.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with fresh basil, if desired. Serve immediately.