Cheesy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 oz. fettuccine pasta - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved The main ingredients in Chicken Mozzarella Pasta create a tasty meal. Chicken breasts give protein and flavor. Fettuccine pasta is perfect for holding the sauce. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. Cherry tomatoes bring a sweet touch and a pop of freshness. - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitutions for mozzarella: provolone, gouda, or feta Mozzarella cheese is key for this dish. It melts beautifully and adds creaminess. You can swap it for provolone or gouda if needed. Feta gives a tangy flavor and works well too if you want something different. - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste Olive oil is great for cooking the chicken. It adds richness and flavor. Garlic gives a nice aroma and taste. Dried basil and oregano add warmth and depth to the dish. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper for balance. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. 2. Add 8 oz. of fettuccine pasta to the boiling water. 3. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. 4. Check the pasta for doneness; it should be al dente. 5. Once cooked, drain the pasta but save about ½ cup of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside. 1. While the pasta cooks, take 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. 2. Season both sides well with salt, pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano. 3. Make sure you cover the entire surface for even flavor. 4. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 5. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. 6. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. 7. Check the chicken's internal temperature; it should reach 165°F. 8. Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest before slicing. 1. In the same skillet, keep the heat on medium and add 2 cloves of minced garlic. 2. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until it smells fragrant. 3. Next, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often. 4. The tomatoes should soften a bit but still hold their shape. 5. Add 2 cups of fresh spinach next. Stir until just wilted, which takes about a minute. 6. Make sure the vegetables remain tender but not mushy for the best texture. To ensure a creamy pasta consistency, always reserve some pasta water. This starchy water helps bind the sauce and pasta together. Add it slowly until you reach your desired creaminess. For the cheese, grate fresh mozzarella instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Fresh cheese melts better, giving you a smooth, rich texture. You can prepare components in advance to save time. Cook the chicken and chop the veggies a day early. Store each item in separate containers in the fridge. For leftovers, place them in airtight containers. They will last for three to four days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water to help revive the sauce. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. You can also sprinkle some extra cheese on top before serving for a more indulgent dish. Pair this meal with a side salad or garlic bread to make it a complete dinner. Each element adds freshness and balance to your plate. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients elevate the dish and provide vibrant color. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy, which helps prevent overcooking and dryness. Cheese Melting Tips: To achieve that gooey, cheesy texture, add mozzarella cheese off the heat. This prevents it from becoming rubbery while still allowing it to melt beautifully. Customize Your Pasta: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor. This dish is versatile and can be tailored to your taste. {{image_4}} You can switch out chicken for other proteins. Tofu is a great choice for a vegetarian meal. Shrimp also works well if you want seafood. Both options give a nice twist to the dish. For the pasta, try different types. Penne or spaghetti can change the texture and look. Each pasta type holds sauce differently, so pick one that you love. Want to spice things up? Add red pepper flakes for a kick. Just a pinch can make a big difference. This adds warmth without overpowering the dish's main flavors. You can also use different herbs. Fresh thyme or parsley can brighten the taste. Experiment with what you have at home for a unique twist. If you need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great substitutes. They cook similarly to regular pasta, so you won't miss out. For a vegan version, replace mozzarella with vegan cheese. There are many tasty options available now. You can enjoy the same creamy texture without dairy. To keep your chicken mozzarella pasta fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to let the pasta cool down before sealing. Store it in the fridge. It stays good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing. You can freeze chicken mozzarella pasta for up to 2 months. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out the air to prevent freezer burn. When you want to eat it, take it out of the freezer. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place it in a skillet on medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir until it's hot throughout. Enjoy your tasty meal again! It takes about 30 minutes to make Chicken Mozzarella Pasta. You spend 10 minutes prepping the ingredients. The cooking time is roughly 20 minutes. This means you can enjoy a tasty meal in no time! Yes, you can use frozen chicken. It’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. You can do this overnight in the fridge or use the microwave. Once thawed, season and cook just like fresh chicken. This makes meal prep easy and quick! If you don’t have mozzarella, try using provolone or gouda. Both cheeses melt well and add great flavor. You could also use a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option. These swaps will still give you a creamy texture and tasty dish. Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is easy and tasty. We covered the key ingredients, like chicken and fettuccine, alongside cheese choices and seasonings. The step-by-step guides show you how to cook pasta, prepare chicken, and sauté veggies. I shared tips to perfect the dish and meal prep ideas. You can even explore variations to suit your taste. Now, enjoy crafting this meal and impressing your friends. Flavor and fun await in your kitchen!$

Cheesy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

A creamy and cheesy pasta dish with sautéed chicken, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 oz fettuccine pasta
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, making sure to reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, take the chicken breasts and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano, ensuring an even coating.
In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are beautifully golden brown and fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once done, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
In the same skillet used for the chicken, keep the heat on medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Then, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften slightly. Finally, add the fresh spinach and stir until just wilted, about a minute.
Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Carefully add the drained fettuccine pasta and toss everything together until well combined. If you find the mixture is too dry, gradually add in the reserved pasta water until you achieve a creamy consistency that clings to the pasta.
Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta mixture, stirring gently until the cheese has melted and is evenly distributed throughout the dish, creating a gooey, cheesy delight.
Plate the cheesy chicken mozzarella pasta artfully on individual serving dishes. Garnish each plate with a few fresh basil leaves for a vibrant touch and an aromatic hint.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes.

Keyword cheesy, chicken, mozzarella, pasta