Description
Make this One Pot Chicken Mozzarella Pasta in under 30 minutes! Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor – a perfect family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or fire-roasted for extra flavor)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced chicken, season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly golden.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic.
- Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, red pepper flakes, chicken broth, and heavy cream.
- Bring to a simmer, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- Add penne pasta to the skillet, ensuring it’s submerged in the sauce.
- Cover and cook on medium heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If the liquid reduces too quickly, add a splash of chicken broth or water.
Step 4: Add the Cheese & Chicken
- Once the pasta is al dente, reduce the heat to low.
- Stir in the cooked chicken and mozzarella cheese.
- Mix well until the cheese melts and creates a gooey sauce.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and stir to combine.
Step 5: Final Touches
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish with fresh basil and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Serve immediately while hot and gooey!
Notes
✅ Use Fresh Mozzarella – It melts better and gives a creamier texture.
✅ Cook Pasta Just Right – Avoid overcooking, as it will continue to absorb liquid.
✅ Let the Cheese Melt Naturally – Stir it in at the end for a smooth sauce.
✅ Don’t Skip the Basil – Fresh basil adds a bright, fresh flavor that balances the richness.
✅ Adjust Consistency – If the sauce is too thick, add more broth; if too thin, let it simmer longer.
- Prep Time: 10minutes
- Cook Time: 20minutes