Description
Creamy chicken mozzarella pasta promises a delightful Italian-inspired symphony of flavors dancing on your plate. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly al dente pasta combine to deliver a comforting meal that brings Mediterranean warmth right to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 8 ounces (226 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
Pasta and Base:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Seasonings and Extras:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil, then add pasta and cook until al dente, following package guidelines. Thoroughly drain and reserve.
- Prepare a skillet with olive oil, heating over medium-high temperature. Introduce cubed chicken pieces seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Sauté chicken until golden brown and completely cooked through, ensuring no pink remains in the center, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Reduce heat and incorporate finely chopped garlic, stirring continuously to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors for 1-2 minutes.
- Gently cascade marinara sauce into the skillet, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop rich, integrated flavors for 4-5 minutes.
- Introduce the reserved pasta into the sauce, carefully folding to ensure even coating and distribution of ingredients.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese throughout the dish, gently stirring until the cheese melts smoothly and creates a creamy texture.
- Transfer the completed pasta to serving plates, garnishing with freshly torn basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic finish.
- Serve immediately while the dish remains hot and the cheese maintains its luscious, melted consistency.
Notes
- Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that maintains the protein-rich profile of the original recipe.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Choose low-sodium marinara sauce to reduce overall salt content for heart-healthy diets.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini for increased nutritional value and a boost of color and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg