INGREDIENTS
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
8 oz pasta of your choice (penne, fettuccine, or rotini work well)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
PREPARATION
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
2. Sauté the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Mozzarella Sauce:
In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half, stirring continuously to combine.
Add shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir until the cheeses melt and the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
4. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the creamy mozzarella sauce in the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Gently fold in the cooked chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated with the creamy sauce.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta to a serving dish or individual plates.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta:
Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Fontina, Gouda, or provolone for variations in flavor and creaminess.
Vegetable Additions: Enhance the dish with sautéed vegetables such as spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers for extra texture and nutrients.
Creamy Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more cream or pasta water if needed while cooking.
Leftover Magic: This dish reheats well, making it a great option for leftovers. Add a splash of cream when reheating to revive the creamy sauce.
By following these simple steps and tips, you can create a mouthwatering Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta that’s perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions. Indulge in the creamy richness and cheesy goodness of this comforting dish, and enjoy the smiles of satisfaction around your table!
