Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s also easy to make on a busy night, Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a must-try. This dish combines tender pasta coated in a rich tomato sauce with juicy chicken and plenty of gooey, melted mozzarella. It’s a one-pan wonder that delivers restaurant-quality flavor without requiring hours in the kitchen. The combination of protein-packed chicken and satisfying carbs makes it perfect for fueling up after a long day—or serving as a family-friendly dinner everyone will love. Simple, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, this pasta recipe will quickly become a weeknight staple.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta of choice (penne or fusilli work best)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt & black pepper to taste

For the cheese layer:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and no longer pink inside (about 6–8 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant, then stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
4. Return the chicken to the skillet and stir in the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until coated in sauce.
5. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan over the pasta, cover with a lid, and let the cheese melt for 2–3 minutes.
6. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

Serving Tip

Pair this cheesy pasta with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired dinner. Leftovers reheat well, making it an excellent meal-prep option too.