Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite go-to dish: chicken mozzarella pasta! This recipe is a total lifesaver for those busy weeknights when you want something warm, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s the perfect blend of tender shredded chicken, gooey mozzarella, and your choice of pasta, all wrapped up in a cozy marinara sauce that just sings with flavor. Plus, it comes together in about 25 minutes—how amazing is that? Trust me, your family will be begging for seconds, and you’ll have the satisfaction of serving up a comforting meal that feels gourmet but is super easy to whip up. Let’s dive into the details, shall we?

Ingredients List

To make this scrumptious chicken mozzarella pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked pasta (any type you love)
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (leftovers work great!)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (the gooier, the better!)
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought—your choice!)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for that lovely sautéing magic)
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (a little kick!)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish and freshness)

How to Prepare Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Alright, let’s get cooking! This chicken mozzarella pasta comes together so easily, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen superstar by the end. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. First, heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it nice and warm but not smoking—just the right temp for sautéing!
2. Once the oil is shimmering, add in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—oh, the smell is heavenly!
3. Next, toss in the shredded chicken. Stir it around until it’s heated through, which should be about 2-3 minutes. We want it warm and cozy.
4. Now, it’s time for the marinara sauce! Pour it in along with the cooked pasta. Give everything a good mix, ensuring the pasta is well-coated in that delicious sauce. Cook it all together for another 2 minutes, just to meld those flavors.
5. Here comes the best part: sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously on top. Wow, it’s going to look so good!
6. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for about 3 minutes. This helps the cheese melt into a gooey, cheesy dream.
7. Finally, remove the lid, garnish with fresh basil, and serve immediately. You’re ready to dive into a bowl of cheesy goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe

• It’s a quick and easy meal that comes together in just 25 minutes.
• Perfect for using up leftover chicken—no waste here!
• The combination of gooey mozzarella and savory marinara is simply irresistible.
• Customize it with your favorite pasta and veggies for a personal touch.
• It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy the whole family.
• Healthy, filling, and packed with protein for a wholesome dinner.

Tips for Success

To make your chicken mozzarella pasta truly shine, here are some of my best tips:

• Don’t skimp on the seasoning! Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste, and feel free to add some Italian herbs for extra flavor.
• Use fresh mozzarella if you can—it’s creamier and melts like a dream!
• Mix in some veggies! Spinach, bell peppers, or even zucchini can add color and nutrition to your dish.
• For a bit of a kick, consider adding red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic.
• Prep your ingredients ahead of time to make the cooking process even smoother!

Variations of Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up this chicken mozzarella pasta! Here are a few ideas:

• Pesto Twist: Swap out the marinara sauce for a vibrant basil pesto for a fresh and herby flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy version that’ll wake up your taste buds!
• Veggie Delight: Toss in seasonal veggies like roasted cherry tomatoes, broccoli, or asparagus for a colorful, nutritious boost.
• Cheesy Alfredo: Mix in a creamy Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for an indulgent, rich experience.
• Italian Sausage: Substitute some of the chicken for cooked Italian sausage for a heartier dish with extra flavor.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious chicken mozzarella pasta. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 7g)
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 55g (Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 5g)
• Sodium: 600mg
• Cholesterol: 70mg

This meal is not only filling but also packed with protein to keep you energized. Enjoy it guilt-free as part of a balanced diet!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making chicken mozzarella pasta? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly before shredding it. You can sauté it in the skillet first before adding the garlic.

What if I don’t have marinara sauce?
No problem! You can substitute it with your favorite pasta sauce or even a homemade garlic and olive oil base for a lighter option.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep all the ingredients in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Just combine and cook when you’re ready to eat!

How do I make it gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free pasta, and you’re all set! This recipe is super flexible and can easily accommodate dietary needs.

Can I add more cheese?
Of course! If you’re a cheese lover (like me!), sprinkle on extra mozzarella or even mix in some parmesan for added flavor. Go wild!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store and reheat your chicken mozzarella pasta to keep it tasting delicious. First, let it cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container to keep it fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it’s time to enjoy those tasty leftovers, just pop it in the microwave! Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s warmed through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra marinara sauce to keep it from drying out. Enjoy every cheesy bite again!

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: 7 Cheesy Delights in 25 Minutes

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• Autor: Julia marin
• Gesamtzeit: 25 minutes
• Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
• Ernährung: Glutenfrei

Drucken-Rezept

Pin-Rezept

Beschreibung

A delicious pasta dish featuring chicken and mozzarella.

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Zutaten

Skala 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked pasta
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

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Anweisungen

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add shredded chicken and cook until heated through.
4. Stir in marinara sauce and pasta.
5. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Cover and let cheese melt for 3 minutes.
8. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

• Use any pasta type you prefer.
• Adjust seasoning to taste.
• Can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Kochen Zeit: 15 minutes
• Kategorie: Main Dish
• Methode: Stovetop
• Küche: Italian

Ernährung

• Portionsgröße: 1 serving
• Kalorien: 450
• Zucker: 5g
• Natrium: 600mg
• Fett: 15g
• Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 7g
• Ungesättigte Fette: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Kohlenhydrate: 55g
• Faser: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterin: 70mg

Keywords: chicken mozzarella pasta