There’s something truly special about dishes that bring everyone running to the table just by their aroma — and Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is one of those magical meals. It’s the kind of dinner that feels like a big, warm hug after a long day. I first stumbled upon a version of this recipe years ago, tucked into the pages of my grandmother’s old, sauce-stained cookbook. She would make it whenever the weather turned a little cooler, using whatever veggies she had on hand and always topping it with a ridiculous amount of gooey, melty mozzarella.

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta isn’t just delicious; it carries a spirit of comfort and gathering. It’s a dish that doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complicated steps, just simple, good food cooked with love. Across Italy and beyond, variations of this pasta are beloved for their hearty, family-style appeal — making it the perfect centerpiece for both cozy nights in and casual dinner parties.

This is the kind of meal that reminds you why we love to cook: it’s satisfying, it’s beautiful on the plate, and it’s the kind of dish that instantly makes a new memory every time you serve it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• It’s incredibly simple to make, but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
• Full of comforting flavors that everyone at the table will adore.
• Perfect for meal prep — it reheats like a dream.
• Made with wholesome ingredients you probably already have at home.
• Melty mozzarella gives it that irresistible cheesy finish!

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups spinach leaves

HOW TO MAKE Chicken Mozzarella Pasta:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Get the Pasta Going

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. Remember, you want it to still have a little bite since it’ll finish cooking in the sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside, tossing it with a drizzle of olive oil so it doesn’t stick together.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

While the pasta’s bubbling away, grab a large skillet and heat your olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken pieces, and season them generously with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s golden on the outside and cooked through. I love how the kitchen starts smelling at this point — so cozy and savory!

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Once the chicken is ready, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute — just until it’s nice and fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Then add in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring everything together. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This is where the magic really starts happening!

Step 4: Bring it All Together

Lower the heat and toss your cooked pasta into the skillet, coating every piece with that creamy, savory sauce. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach leaves. Keep stirring gently until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften a bit.

Step 5: The Melty Finish

Now, for the grand finale: sprinkle the shredded mozzarella all over the top. Cover the skillet and let it sit for a couple of minutes until the cheese melts into a glorious, gooey blanket. There’s honestly nothing better than that first cheesy pull when you serve it up.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Remember, it continues to cook a little once mixed with the hot sauce.
• Season the Chicken Well: Don’t skimp on seasoning — it layers flavor into the entire dish.
• Fresh Spinach Works Best: Baby spinach wilts quickly and blends perfectly into the pasta.
• Reserve Some Pasta Water: If the sauce gets too thick, a splash of pasta water will loosen it beautifully.
• Use a Big Skillet: You’ll need room to stir everything together without spilling.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: High-Protei

NOTES:

• You can easily swap in gluten-free pasta if needed.
• Feel free to add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for more color and nutrition.
• If you love things a little spicy, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a great kick.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

(Per serving, approximate)
Calories: 620
Protein: 38g
Fat: 32g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It reheats really well. Store it in an airtight container and gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I use a different cheese?
Sure! While mozzarella gives that classic meltiness, provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses would also be delicious.

Can I make it dairy-free?
You can substitute a dairy-free cream and cheese alternative if needed, but the texture and flavor might vary slightly.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For freezing, place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently with a splash of chicken broth to revive the creamy sauce.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Pesto Pasta Salad
• Chicken Pomodoro
• Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls with Roasted Red Pepper Cream
• Pesto Chicken

Conclusion

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is one of those forever-favorite meals that you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It’s simple, hearty, and loaded with cheesy, comforting goodness. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping meals for the week, or just treating yourself to something delicious, this pasta is pure joy on a plate. Trust me, once you taste it, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your regular dinner rotation!

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