Sensational Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Dinner

Hello fellow food enthusiasts! I’m so excited to share one of my go-to recipes with you today. This Easy Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s incredibly comforting, bursting with flavor, and truly satisfying. I know you’ll love how quickly this delicious Chicken Mozzarella Pasta comes together; it’s often ready in about 30 minutes, making it absolutely perfect for a busy weeknight meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe

I truly believe this recipe will become a new favorite in your kitchen for several reasons:

• Quick Cooking Chicken Tenders: I use chicken tenders, which cook up quickly and stay wonderfully juicy, ensuring dinner is on the table in no time.
• Rich and Creamy Mozzarella Sauce: The sauce is a dream, made with half and half and lots of melty mozzarella cheese, creating a luxurious coating for every bite.
• Savory Depth: Sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled smoked beef bacon add incredible layers of savory, slightly smoky, and tangy flavors that truly elevate the dish.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: This is pure comfort food, perfect for making any evening feel a little special and leaving everyone at the table happy and full.

Ingredients for the Best Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

I’ve carefully selected each ingredient to ensure maximum flavor and ease. Here’s what you’ll need to make this incredible Chicken Mozzarella Pasta:

• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 ounces sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained with oil reserved)
• small amount of olive oil (if necessary for cooking chicken)
• 1 pound chicken tenders
• salt and freshly ground black pepper (to season chicken)
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 cup half and half
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 ounces Farfalle pasta
• 1 tablespoon basil (if using dry basil, if using fresh basil you can add more)
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (at least, add more to taste)
• 1/2 cup reserved cooked pasta water (or more)
• salt (to taste finished dish before serving)
• 6 slices cooked smoked beef bacon (crumbled)

Equipment You’ll Need

Making this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is quite straightforward, but having the right tools makes it even easier. Here are the essentials I recommend:

• Large skillet
• Pasta pot Slotted spoon
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

How to Make Chicken Mozzarella Pasta (Step-by-Step)

Follow these steps, and you’ll have a fantastic meal ready in no time.

1. Drain the sun-dried tomatoes from the oil and reserve 2 tablespoons of the oil for sautéing.
2. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes into smaller pieces.
3. In a large skillet over high heat, sauté the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes in the 2 tablespoons of reserved oil for about a minute.
4. With a slotted spoon, remove the sun-dried tomatoes from the pan.
5. Season both sides of the chicken tenders with some salt and pepper, and evenly distribute the tablespoon of paprika among them.
6. At this point, it may be necessary to add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet. Add the chicken to the pan and with the heat on high, cook on each side for one minute. Remove from heat and cut chicken into bite-size pieces.

• Pro Tip: Be careful not to overcook the chicken during this initial sear; it will finish cooking in the sauce and I find this keeps it incredibly tender and juicy.

1. Cook farfalle according to manufacturer’s directions. Remove 1 cup of pasta water and drain the pasta.
2. Return the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the chicken to the skillet. Gently pour in the 1 cup of half and half and add the mozzarella. Bring to a slow steady boil. Reduce heat immediately to a simmer and stir constantly until cheese melts forming the sauce.
3. Add the cooked pasta to the pan and mix until thoroughly combined.
4. Add the basil, and red pepper flakes (more if you like an extra kick!).
5. Slowly pour in approximately a 1/2 cup of the pasta water to thin the cheese sauce, making it creamier. Be mindful to not add all the water all at once, use your judgement as to how thick or thin you want your sauce. You don’t want it to be too watery.

• Pro Tip: Add the pasta water a little at a time, stirring well after each addition. This allows you to control the consistency perfectly, ensuring your sauce is creamy, not runny.

1. Add the crumbled smoked beef bacon and mix to combine.
2. Season with salt to taste.
3. Allow the contents of the skillet to simmer for about 5 minutes.

• Pro Tip: Keep the simmer gentle during these 5 minutes. This allows all the beautiful flavors to meld together without over-reducing the sauce.

1. Garnish with additional basil and red pepper flakes, if desired.

Serving Suggestions & What to Pair With It

This creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but I love to serve it with a few simple accompaniments to complete the experience.

• Crusty Garlic Bread: There’s nothing better than dipping a piece of warm, crusty garlic bread into that creamy sauce.
• Simple Green Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a lovely contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Wine Pairing: For a delightful adult pairing, I enjoy a crisp white wine like a Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied Chardonnay with this dish.

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Variations & Customizations

One of the things I adore about this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe is how easily you can adapt it to your preferences or whatever you have on hand.

Variation Category	Ideas for Customization	Why It Works
Pasta Types	Penne, Rigatoni, Rotini	These shapes have ridges or hollows that really cling to the creamy sauce.
Mozzarella Choices	Fresh Mozzarella Balls (chopped)	Using fresh mozzarella will give you a slightly different, more delicate melt and taste compared to shredded.
Chicken Options	Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs; Pre-cooked Rotisserie Chicken	Thighs add richer flavor (just adjust cooking time slightly). Rotisserie chicken makes it even quicker.
Vegetable Add-ins	Fresh spinach, Sliced mushrooms, Diced bell peppers, Zucchini	Stir spinach in at the end until wilted. Sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini with the garlic.
Spice & Herb Variations	More crushed red pepper flakes, Fresh parsley, Dried oregano	Increase heat to your liking. Parsley adds freshness; oregano brings an earthy, Italian flavor.

Make Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

I love making my life easier with a bit of meal prep, and this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is no exception!

• Chicken: You can cook and cut the chicken tenders ahead of time. I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Aromatics: Mince your garlic and chop your sun-dried tomatoes a day or two in advance.
• Pasta: You can even cook the pasta al dente, drain it, toss it with a tiny bit of olive oil to prevent sticking, and refrigerate it. Then, I just assemble everything when I’m ready to eat.

Storage & Freezing Instructions

If you happen to have any leftovers of this delicious Chicken Mozzarella Pasta, here’s how I recommend storing them:

• Refrigerator: Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, I gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
• Freezing: Freezing creamy pasta dishes can sometimes lead to the sauce separating when thawed. While I prefer to enjoy this fresh, if you must freeze it, I suggest doing so in individual portions in airtight, freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, stirring frequently. You might need to add a touch more half and half or pasta water to restore the creamy texture.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

I want your experience with this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta to be perfect, so here are a few tips for common issues you might encounter:

• Dry Chicken: The key to juicy chicken tenders is not to overcook them. Remember, I cook them for just one minute per side and they’ll finish cooking in the sauce. If you accidentally overcook them initially, cutting them into smaller pieces before adding them to the sauce can help them absorb moisture.
• Sauce Too Thin/Thick: If your sauce is too thin, I let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow it to reduce slightly. If it’s too thick, simply add a bit more of that reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
• Stringy/Greasy Mozzarella: To achieve a smooth, melty mozzarella, I make sure the heat is reduced to a simmer before adding the cheese. Then, I add the shredded mozzarella gradually, stirring constantly, until it melts into the sauce. High heat can cause cheese to become stringy or separate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I often get asked about a few things when sharing recipes like this, so I’ve put together some answers for you.

• How many people will this serve? This recipe comfortably serves 4 people as a main course.
• Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! While I love the farfalle, feel free to use any medium-sized pasta with nooks and crannies to hold the sauce, like penne, rigatoni, or rotini.
• Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders? Yes, you can! Just make sure to cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces or thin cutlets to ensure even and quick cooking.
• Can I freeze this creamy pasta dish? As I mentioned, freezing creamy sauces can sometimes alter their texture. While it’s possible, I find it’s best enjoyed fresh or from the refrigerator. If you do freeze it, be prepared to adjust the sauce consistency upon reheating.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? The recipe as written is not gluten-free due to the pasta. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using your favorite brand of gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
• Can I make it dairy-free? For my adventurous dairy-free cooks, you could experiment with dairy-free half and half and dairy-free mozzarella shreds. I haven’t personally tested it this way, but dairy-free alternatives have come a long way!

Nutrition Information

Detailed nutrition information for this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe can be found in the recipe card below. Please note that this is an estimate based on the ingredients I used and may vary depending on specific brands or substitutions.

This Easy Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta truly brings a little everyday magic to the dinner table, just like I learned from my grandmother. I find it so satisfying to create a dish that’s both simple and incredibly flavorful. I hope you give this comforting recipe a try in your kitchen! When you do, please come back and leave a comment below. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you, any questions you might have, or if you added your own special twist. Happy cooking!