Go Back

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Tender chicken tossed with pasta in a rich tomato sauce and finished with melty mozzarella cheese. A cozy, cheesy dinner that’s easy and family-friendly.
Prep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 25 minutesTotal Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4–6Course: Main CourseCuisine: Italian-Inspired / American

Print Recipe
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta penne, rigatoni, or rotini
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1½ cups marinara or tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup reserved pasta water as needed
  • Optional Garnish
  • Fresh basil or parsley
  • Red pepper flakes

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.
  3. Cook the Chicken
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  5. Build the Sauce
  6. In the same skillet, sauté onion until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
  7. Combine
  8. Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding pasta water if needed.
  9. Add Mozzarella
  10. Reduce heat to low, sprinkle mozzarella over the pasta, cover, and let melt.
  11. Serve
  12. Garnish and serve hot.