CREAMY CHICKEN MOZZARELLA PASTA

Looking for a delectable dinner idea? Try our Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe! This dish features tender chicken breast tenderloins, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella cheese, all combined to create a mouthwatering pasta dish that’s sure to impress. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up this savory meal in no time. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe is a must-try for pasta lovers everywhere. Get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal with our Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta!

Ingredients

1. Garlic – Aromatic Foundation

• 3 cloves of garlic, minced

1. Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Bursting with Flavor

• 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil (reserved from sun-dried tomatoes)

Chicken Breast Tenderloins – Tender and Juicy

• 1 lb chicken breast tenderloins, sliced
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp paprika

Creamy Base

• 1 cup half and half or ½ cup heavy cream + ½ cup milk
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (not fresh mozzarella)

Pasta

• 8 oz penne pasta (gluten-free option available)

Flavor Enhancers

• 1 tbsp basil
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes

Additional

• ½ cup reserved cooked pasta water (or more, as needed)
• ¼ tsp salt (to taste)

Instructions

Sautéing Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

• Heat 2 tablespoons of reserved olive oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Sauté minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
• Remove the sun-dried tomatoes from the skillet and retain the olive oil.

Cooking Chicken

• Season sliced chicken tenderloins with salt and paprika.
• In the same skillet, cook the seasoned chicken on high heat for 1 minute on each side until golden brown.
• Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Preparing Pasta

• Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
• Remember to reserve some cooked pasta water before draining the pasta.

Combining Ingredients

• Slice the sun-dried tomatoes into smaller pieces and return them to the skillet with the cooked chicken.
• Pour half-and-half and shredded mozzarella cheese into the skillet to create a creamy sauce.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to simmer.
• Continuously stir until all the cheese melts, and a creamy sauce forms.

Assembling the Dish

• Add the cooked and drained penne pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce and chicken.
• Stir well to ensure that the pasta is coated evenly with the sauce.

Adding Flavor

• Incorporate basil and red pepper flakes into the pasta, stirring to combine.
• Adjust the consistency of the sauce by gradually adding reserved cooked pasta water until desired thickness is achieved.

Final Touches

• Season the creamy chicken mozzarella pasta with salt and additional red pepper flakes to taste.
• Allow the flavors to meld together by simmering the dish for a couple of minutes.

FAQs

Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded mozzarella cheese?

• Fresh mozzarella has a higher moisture content and may not melt as smoothly as shredded mozzarella, affecting the creaminess of the sauce. It’s best to stick with shredded mozzarella for this recipe.

Can I substitute chicken with another protein?

• Absolutely! You can swap chicken with shrimp, sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is it necessary to use sun-dried tomatoes?

• Sun-dried tomatoes add a unique depth of flavor to the dish, but if you don’t have them on hand, you can omit them or substitute with cherry tomatoes for a fresh twist.

How do I store leftovers?

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Can I freeze creamy chicken mozzarella pasta?

• While you can freeze it, the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing, resulting in a less desirable texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.