Creamy and Cheesy: Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Nostalgic Appeal

This pasta dish reminds me of those heartwarming family meals where a simple yet flavorful sauce transformed ordinary pasta into a special treat. The creamy tomato sauce, with its cheesy and savory flavors, is both familiar and inviting, evoking feelings of warmth and pure satisfaction.

Homemade Focus

While you could certainly use pre-made sauces or jarred ingredients, there’s something truly special about making this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta from scratch. You control the quality of the ingredients, and the process of cooking the chicken, preparing the sauce, and combining it all with the pasta is surprisingly simple and rewarding.

Flavor Goal

The flavor profile I’m aiming for is a delightful balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors with a hint of freshness from the basil. The chicken is seasoned with salt and pepper and cooked to perfection, adding a tender and juicy protein element. The sauce is a creamy blend of garlic, red pepper flakes (optional), diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and chicken broth, creating a rich and flavorful sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. The mozzarella and Parmesan cheese add a final touch of cheesy goodness, while the fresh basil provides a bright and aromatic note.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s explore the key ingredients that make this dish so special! We start with [boneless, skinless chicken breasts, seasoned with salt and pepper, and cooked until golden brown and juicy]. Then comes the [penne pasta, cooked al dente for a perfect texture]. We also incorporate [olive oil, garlic, and optional red pepper flakes, creating a fragrant and flavorful base for the sauce]. The [diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and chicken broth, adding richness and depth to the sauce]. The [shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, melting into the sauce for a cheesy and satisfying finish]. And finally, the [fresh basil, chopped and used as a garnish for a pop of color and freshness].

Essential Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment: a large skillet for cooking the chicken and making the sauce, a large pot for cooking the pasta, and measuring spoons.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Remove from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant. Add the red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another 30 seconds. Stir in the diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened.
4. Combine the Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to combine and coat the pasta and chicken with the sauce.
5. Add the Cheese: Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Add the chopped basil and stir to incorporate.
6. Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with additional chopped basil and parsley, if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

Troubleshooting

• Pasta is mushy: Make sure you cook the pasta al dente according to package directions. Avoid overcooking the pasta in the sauce.
• Chicken is dry: Avoid overcooking the chicken. Cook just until it’s golden brown and cooked through. You can also add a splash of chicken broth or white wine to the pan while cooking to keep the chicken moist.
• Sauce is too thin: Simmer the sauce for a longer time to allow it to reduce and thicken. You can also add a bit more cheese to thicken it.
• Sauce is too thick: Add a bit of pasta water to thin out the sauce.

Tips and Variations

• Use different types of pasta, such as penne, rotini, or spaghetti.
• Add different vegetables to the dish, such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
• Adjust the level of spice by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
• Garnish with fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano, for a different flavor profile.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a side salad and some crusty bread for dipping into the sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal, a casual dinner party, or any time you want a flavorful and satisfying dish.

Nutritional Information (Estimated, per serving)

(This information is an estimate based on average values for the ingredients used and a serving size of 1 1/2 cups. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, ingredient substitutions, and portion sizes.)

• Calories: Approximately 550-600
• Fat: Approximately 30-35g
• Saturated Fat: Approximately 15-18g
• Cholesterol: Approximately 120-140mg
• Protein: Approximately 35-40g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 45-50g
• Fiber: Approximately 2-3g
• Sugar: Approximately 5-7g
• Sodium: Approximately 600-700mg (may vary depending on the type of cheese used)

To get more precise nutritional information:

1. Use a nutrition calculator: Many online calculators allow you to input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. This will give you the most accurate results.
2. Check food labels: Pay close attention to the nutrition facts panels on the packaging of your ingredients.
3. Adjust for variations: If you make substitutions (e.g., different type of pasta), adjust the calculations accordingly.

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Q: Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

A: It’s best to cook the pasta and make the sauce fresh for optimal texture and flavor. However, you can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I freeze this pasta dish?

A: It’s not recommended to freeze this pasta dish, as the texture of the pasta and sauce may be affected.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A: Absolutely! You can substitute mozzarella and Parmesan cheese with other types of cheese, such as provolone, Gruyère, or a blend of Italian cheeses.