ANNA'S FAVORITE CHICKEN MOZZARELLA PASTA
- WineCheeseScallops
- Nov 7, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 14, 2024
Looking for a pasta dish that’s as comforting as it is crowd-pleasing? Look no further than Anna’s Favorite Chicken Mozzarella Pasta! This recipe brings together tender chicken, hearty pasta, and gooey mozzarella in a rich marinara sauce that’s absolutely bursting with flavor. Fresh basil and a sprinkling of Parmesan give it that perfect Italian touch that’s sure to impress.
"This is absolutely delicious! Especially with the sauce that was posted yesterday!"
-John Goff
Whether you're serving this up for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this pasta dish hits all the right notes. The mix of creamy mozzarella and savory chicken ensures every bite is satisfying and delicious. Pair it with some garlic bread, and you’ve got a winning meal everyone will love!
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Fresh Mozzarella
Mozzarella is known for its soft texture and mild, milky flavor that complements a variety of dishes. Fresh mozzarella is different from its shredded counterpart, as it has a higher moisture content and melts into creamy, delicate pools rather than stretching. The cheese originates from Italy and is traditionally made from buffalo milk. It’s rich in calcium and protein, making it not only delicious but also a nutritious addition to your meal.
Basil
Basil is a staple in Mediterranean cooking and brings a fresh, slightly peppery, and aromatic flavor to this pasta dish. Not only does basil add a burst of vibrant green color to your meals, but it also offers various health benefits. It's known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a great addition to any dish. Fresh basil is best used at the end of cooking to maintain its bright flavor.
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This dish was inspired by the love of Italian flavors combined with a touch of comfort food magic. The blend of pasta, chicken, and marinara sauce is classic, but adding fresh mozzarella takes it up a notch, giving it a creamy texture that's hard to resist. Anna’s Favorite Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a recipe that came to life in our kitchen after experimenting with different ways to create a dish that would be both satisfying and quick to make on a busy weeknight. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to make something truly special.
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Helpful Tips, Serving Suggestions, and Storage Advice
Cook Chicken in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure the chicken gets a nice golden sear.
Al Dente Pasta: Cook your pasta al dente (slightly firm) so it holds up better when mixed with the sauce.
Soft Mozzarella: Be gentle when stirring in fresh mozzarella to keep its pieces intact.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and parsley will elevate the flavors far more than dried herbs.
Garlic Bread Pairing: Serve with a loaf of garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
Make it Spicy: Add more crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Storing Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tips: Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water to keep the pasta from drying out.
Freezing Advice: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the sauce separately for up to 2 months.
Experiment with Cheese: Substitute or add different cheeses like Asiago or Fontina for more flavor complexity.
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Why This Recipe Stands Out
Easy Weeknight Meal: Quick and straightforward, perfect for busy days.
Fresh Mozzarella: Adds a creamy texture that you won't get from regular shredded cheese.
Balanced Flavors: Combines tangy marinara, savory chicken, and the richness of mozzarella.
Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the heat with crushed red pepper flakes.
Crowd-Pleaser: Great for both kids and adults.
Versatile: Can be made with different pasta shapes or even gluten-free pasta.
Homemade Garlic Bread: The perfect pairing to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and antioxidants from basil.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored for a quick assembly.
Restaurant Quality: Tastes like a dish you'd order at an Italian restaurant, right from your own kitchen.
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Ingredients:
1 lb Penne or Rigatoni
2 Tbs Olive Oil, plus more for drizzling
2 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Salt and Pepper, to taste
1 Large Onion, diced
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 jar (25-32 ounce) Good Quality Marinara Sauce
1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (more to taste)
1/2 cup Water
2 Tbs Fresh Parsley, minced
8 ounces Fresh Mozzarella (cut into cubes)
1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella
1/4 cup Parmesan Shavings
Extra Parmesan, for serving
12 Basil Leaves (chiffonade)
Instructions:
Cook pasta according to package directions.
Heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook without stirring for 2 minutes or until golden. Stir chicken to brown all sides, then remove to a plate.
In the same skillet, add onions and garlic, stirring immediately. Cook for 2-3 minutes until onions are golden.
Reduce heat to low and pour in marinara sauce, red pepper flakes, and water. Stir to combine, then add chicken back to the skillet with any juices that have gathered in the plate. Now add the parsley. Simmer, stirring occationally for about 10 minutes.
Ensure the sauce is hot and bubbly, then gently stir in the fresh mozzarella cubes and the shredded mozzarella. Let sit, undisturbed, for 2 - 3 minutes, allowing the mozzarella cubes to soften, but not completely melt.
Drain pasta and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with Parmesan shavings and pour the chicken and mozzarella sauce over the top. Garnish with extra Parmesan and basil.
Serve immediately, optionally accompanied by garlic bread.
We’re so excited for you to try this recipe! To make it even easier, we’ve put together a list of our favorite kitchen tools that are super helpful for this recipe. By using our affiliate links below, you’ll not only be getting top-notch products but also supporting our blog, Wine Cheese Scallops. Thank you so much for your support—happy cooking!
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Their high-quality selection never disappoints!
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