Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Ingredients:

2 whole Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Cut Into Small Bite-sized Pieces

1 pound Penne Or Rigatoni

2 tablespoons Olive Oil, Plus More For Drizzling

2 tablespoons Minced Fresh Parsley

1 whole Large Onion, Finely Diced

1 jar (25 oz.) Good Quality Marinara Sauce

2 cloves Garlic, Minced

1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (more To Taste)

1/2 cup Water

8 ounces weight Fresh Mozzarella, Cut Into Medium Cubes

1/4 cup Parmesan Shavings

Salt And Pepper

12 whole Basil Leaves (chiffonade)

Extra Parmesan, For Serving

Instructions:

Following the package directions, cook the pasta.

In a big skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in one layer and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes without stirring until the chicken pieces are golden. Then, stir and cook until all sides are browned. To a plate, move the browned chicken.

Sauté the onions and garlic in the now-empty skillet for about 2 to 3 minutes until the onions are deeply golden.

Adjust the heat to low, then add the marinara sauce, red pepper flakes, and water. Stir well. Return the chicken to the pan. Stir in the parsley and let everything simmer for about 7 to 8 minutes, stirring often.

Once the sauce is bubbly and very hot, gently stir in the mozzarella. Allow it to sit for 2 to 3 minutes, undisturbed until the mozzarella is very soft.

Into a platter, transfer the cooked and drained pasta. On top, drizzle a little olive oil and quickly sprinkle with 1/4 c. Parmesan shavings or grated Parmesan. Add the sauce on top and garnish with more Parmesan and basil. Serve right away. Enjoy!

Notes:

Make sure the mozzarella is very soft but still has visible chunks. I think it’s better to have firm chunks of mozzarella instead. Anyway, you can heat it a little more to get your preferred cheese consistency.

How To Make it Gluten-free:

Use gluten-free pasta such as Barilla.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 serving

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of pasta such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or even bowtie pasta instead of penne or rigatoni.

Keep in mind that cooking times might vary, so adjust accordingly.

Can I substitute the fresh mozzarella with shredded mozzarella cheese?

While fresh mozzarella adds a creamy texture, you can substitute shredded mozzarella if you prefer.

However, the texture and melting properties may differ slightly.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely, you can omit the chicken and use vegetable broth or water instead of chicken broth to make a vegetarian version of this dish.

You can also add your favorite vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition.

What can I do to adjust the spiciness of the dish?

The crushed red pepper flakes add heat to the dish. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.

If you enjoy more heat, you can increase the amount according to your preference.

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce for convenience?

Yes, using store-bought marinara sauce is a convenient option. However, choosing a good-quality sauce can enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

You can also add your favorite herbs or spices to the sauce to customize the taste.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken can save time. Simply add the cooked chicken to the skillet when instructed and proceed with the recipe.

Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken is heated through.

What can I substitute for fresh mozzarella if I can’t find it?

If fresh mozzarella is unavailable, you can use shredded mozzarella cheese.

While the texture will be different, it will still provide that cheesy goodness.

You can also try other soft, melting cheeses.

Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?

While pasta dishes can be frozen, the texture of the pasta and cheese might change upon thawing.

If you plan to freeze leftovers, it’s best to slightly undercook the pasta and avoid adding the fresh mozzarella until reheating to maintain its creaminess.

Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?

To reduce the spiciness, either omit or decrease the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.

You can always taste as you go and adjust the level of heat to your liking.

Can I use a different type of pasta sauce instead of marinara?

While the marinara sauce adds a classic flavor to this dish, you can experiment with other pasta sauces like Alfredo, pesto, or even a creamy tomato sauce for a different twist.