If you love creamy, cheesy pasta dishes with a kick of Italian flavor, then Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a must-try! This dish combines tender chicken, rich mozzarella cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic spices to create a luscious, comforting meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this pasta recipe is sure to impress.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything from the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to tips for enhancing the dish and making it your own. By the end, you’ll be fully equipped to prepare this delicious Chicken Mozzarella Pasta like a pro.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Creamy and Cheesy Goodness: The combination of half-and-half (or a milk and cream mix) with melted mozzarella creates an irresistibly creamy sauce.
Bursting with Flavor: Sun-dried tomatoes and garlic add a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the sauce.
Quick and Easy to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable: You can adjust the spice level, add vegetables, or swap ingredients based on dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Pasta and Protein:

8 oz penne pasta
1 lb chicken tenderloins, sliced
1⁄4 tsp salt
1⁄4 tsp paprika

Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:

3 garlic cloves, minced
4 oz sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup half-and-half (or 1⁄2 cup heavy cream + 1⁄2 cup milk)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tbsp dried basil
1⁄4 tsp red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
1⁄4 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
1⁄2 cup reserved pasta cooking water

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the penne pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. This will be used later to adjust the consistency of the sauce.

2. Season and Sear the Chicken

Season the sliced chicken with salt and paprika. In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Remove the sun-dried tomatoes and set them aside.

In the same skillet, sear the seasoned chicken pieces over high heat for 1-2 minutes per side, just until they turn golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage, as it will finish cooking in the sauce. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

3. Make the Creamy Mozzarella Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add the half-and-half (or milk and cream combo) to the same skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then remove it from the heat. Gradually whisk in the shredded mozzarella cheese until it melts into a smooth and creamy sauce.

4. Combine Everything

Add the basil, red pepper flakes, and additional salt to taste. Return the cooked pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the creamy mozzarella sauce.

If the sauce is too thick, add small amounts of the reserved pasta cooking water until it reaches your desired consistency.

5. Taste and Adjust

Before serving, taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or red pepper flakes if needed. Garnish with fresh basil for an extra pop of flavor.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta immediately while it’s hot, creamy, and absolutely delicious. Pair it with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Use Fresh Mozzarella for Extra Creaminess – Fresh mozzarella melts better and creates an ultra-smooth sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Searing it quickly keeps it juicy and prevents it from drying out.
Experiment with Pasta Types – While penne works great, you can use rigatoni, farfalle, or even fettuccine.
Add More Veggies – Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers make great additions.
Make it Spicier – Increase the red pepper flakes for a bolder kick.
Store Leftovers Properly – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.

Variations and Customizations

1. Low-Carb or Keto Version

Substitute regular pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles), spaghetti squash, or shirataki noodles.
Use full-fat heavy cream instead of half-and-half for a richer keto-friendly sauce.

2. Vegetarian Option

Swap the chicken for mushrooms, chickpeas, or tofu.
Add more vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach for extra nutrition.

3. Protein Boost

Add cooked bacon, shrimp, or sausage for an even heartier meal.

4. Gluten-Free Adaptation

Use gluten-free pasta or even chickpea pasta for a higher protein alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use a Different Cheese?

Yes! While mozzarella gives this dish its signature creaminess, you can substitute it with Parmesan, provolone, fontina, or gouda.

2. What’s the Best Way to Store and Reheat?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and warm gently over low heat until creamy again.

3. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce ahead and store it separately. Cook the pasta fresh and mix everything together when ready to serve.

4. Is This Dish Freezer-Friendly?

While the pasta can be frozen, the cream-based sauce may separate upon reheating. If you do freeze, reheat slowly on the stovetop with added cream to help restore the texture.

🍝 Chicken Mozzarella Pasta – Creamy, Cheesy Perfection!

Print Recipe

If comfort food had a passport, this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta would be stamped straight from Italy! 🇮🇹 Tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich, creamy mozzarella sauce come together for a dish that’s pure magic. One bite, and you’ll feel like you’re dining in a cozy little trattoria. Make this for dinner and watch it disappear! 🍽️✨

Author: therecipemingle

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz penne pasta
1 lb chicken tenderloins, sliced
¼ tsp each: salt, paprika
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 oz sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup half-and-half (or ½ cup cream + ½ cup milk)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tbsp dried basil
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp salt (plus more to taste)
½ cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta – Boil penne al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup pasta water.

2️⃣ Season & Sear the Chicken – Toss sliced chicken with salt and paprika. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove tomatoes and set aside. Sear chicken for 1–2 minutes per side on high heat, then set aside.

3️⃣ Make the Creamy Sauce – In the same skillet, simmer half-and-half (or cream/milk combo). Remove from heat and whisk in mozzarella until smooth and creamy.

4️⃣ Bring It All Together – Add basil, red pepper flakes, cooked pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat everything in creamy goodness. If needed, thin the sauce with reserved pasta water until silky.

5️⃣ Season & Serve – Adjust salt and spice, garnish with fresh basil, and serve immediately!

Notes

✨ Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—this is comfort food at its best! 🤌

Final Thoughts

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors with a hint of spice. Whether you make it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.

With endless customizations, you can truly make this dish your own. Try it today, and experience the ultimate creamy pasta delight!

If you loved this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe, be sure to share it with friends and family, and let us know how you customized it!

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: A Creamy, Flavor-Packed Delight