Description

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bubbling dish of Chicken Mozzarella Pasta coming out of the oven. For me, it’s a dish that always brings back memories of cozy Sunday evenings at my grandmother’s house. She’d make this pasta when the weather turned cool, filling the kitchen with the scent of garlic, tomatoes, and melting cheese.

This dish is the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence—tender chunks of seasoned chicken tossed with pasta in a rich tomato sauce, all smothered in gooey mozzarella and baked to golden perfection. It’s one of those meals that makes everyone come to the table a little quicker and linger a little longer.

With roots in classic Italian-American comfort food, Chicken Mozzarella Pasta has earned its spot as a weeknight favorite and a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings. It’s warm, cheesy, and filling—everything you want from a hearty homemade meal.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups marinara sauce
12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Add to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Pour in the marinara sauce and stir well to coat the chicken. Let it simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Layer with Cheese
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the chicken and pasta mixture to a large baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top, add torn pieces of fresh mozzarella, and finish with grated Parmesan.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

This recipe is easy to double for large gatherings and holds up well for leftovers. It’s also freezer-friendly—just assemble, cover tightly, and freeze before baking.

Nutrition

Calories: 520