Description
Creamy chicken mozzarella pasta delivers Italian comfort straight to your dinner table. Rich melted cheese and tender chicken create a satisfying meal that brings family and friends together for an irresistible culinary experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 boneless (skinless) chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
- 1 can (14.5 ounces or 411 grams) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil the penne pasta in salted water at medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes until perfectly al dente. Drain and reserve.
- Season chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature and sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer chicken to cutting board and slice into thin strips.
- In the identical skillet, sauté minced garlic for 45-60 seconds until aromatic. Sprinkle red pepper flakes and cook for additional 30 seconds to release their spicy essence.
- Pour diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and chicken broth into the skillet. Simmer sauce for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened and ingredients meld together.
- Introduce cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the sauce. Gently toss to ensure complete coating and flavor integration.
- Reduce heat and gradually incorporate mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smoothly melted and creating a creamy consistency.
- Fold in fresh chopped basil for a vibrant herbal note. Remove from heat and garnish with additional herbs if desired.
- Plate immediately while sauce remains warm and cheese is perfectly melted. Serve with extra grated Parmesan on side for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Slice chicken against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier, more luxurious sauce texture that melts beautifully.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal spice tolerance, starting with a small amount and increasing gradually.
- Consider low-fat alternatives like Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce overall calorie content without compromising flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 660
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg