If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying, and cheesy pasta dish, this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is perfect! With tender seasoned chicken, gooey melted mozzarella, and a rich tomato-based sauce, this dish delivers bold Italian flavors in just 30 minutes.
Whether you need fast dinner recipes, favorite recipes for dinner, or an easy mozzarella pasta dish, this one-pan meal will be a hit with the whole family!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy – Ready in 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Cheesy & comforting – Melted mozzarella makes it extra indulgent!
- Great for meal prep – Leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Versatile recipe – Works with different pastas, proteins, or spice levels.
Ingredients Needed
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 8 oz (225g) penne or rotini pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth or pasta water
For the Cheese & Garnish:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
Kitchen Equipment Required
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Season & Cook the Chicken
- In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with seasoning salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce
- In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and sugar.
- Stir in chicken broth (or reserved pasta water) and let simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir.
- Add the drained pasta and mix until coated in the sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Cover with a lid and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
- Pair with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Tips for the Best Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
- Use fresh mozzarella – It melts beautifully and gives a creamy texture.
- Let the cheese melt naturally – Avoid overcooking to prevent toughness.
- Add veggies – Try spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers.
- Want it creamier? Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or ricotta cheese before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Chicken Pasta – Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- One-Pan Chicken Mozzarella Pasta – Cook everything in one skillet for easy cleanup.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta.
- Vegetarian Version – Swap chicken for mushrooms or zucchini.
Serving Suggestions
This cheesy pasta dish pairs perfectly with:
- Garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- Caesar salad – A fresh, crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Roasted vegetables – Adds extra texture and nutrition.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months (without the cheese for best texture).
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta – Keep it al dente so it doesn’t become mushy.
- Skipping the seasoning – Proper seasoning enhances the chicken and sauce.
- Not using pasta water – Helps bind the sauce and pasta together.
FAQ Section
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken works great.
What’s the best type of pasta for this dish?
Penne, rotini, or rigatoni hold the sauce best.
Can I make this without tomatoes?
Yes! Swap the tomato sauce for alfredo or pesto for a different twist.
What’s the best way to melt the cheese?
Cover the skillet with a lid for 2-3 minutes, letting the heat naturally melt the cheese.
Conclusion & Call to Action
This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a quick, cheesy, and satisfying dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re craving a pasta dinner recipe, a mozzarella pasta dish, or a comforting homemade meal, this recipe will become a family favorite!
If you loved this recipe, share it with friends, and don’t forget to subscribe for more easy pasta dinner recipes!
Chicken Mozzarella Pasta : A Cheesy Weeknight Dinner!
If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying, and cheesy pasta dish, this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is perfect! With tender seasoned chicken, gooey melted mozzarella, and a rich tomato-based sauce, this dish delivers bold Italian flavors in just 30 minutes.
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless (skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 8 oz 225g penne or rotini pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup 240ml tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- ½ cup 120ml chicken broth or pasta water
For the Cheese & Garnish:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Step 2: Season & Cook the Chicken
- In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with seasoning salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce
- In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and sugar.
- Stir in chicken broth (or reserved pasta water) and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir.
- Add the drained pasta and mix until coated in the sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Cover with a lid and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.
- Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
- Pair with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Use fresh mozzarella – It melts beautifully and gives a creamy texture.
Let the cheese melt naturally – Avoid overcooking to prevent toughness.
Add veggies – Try spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers.