Name: Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 8 oz penne pasta; 1 lb chicken tenderloins, sliced; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp paprika; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup half-and-half (or ½ cup cream + ½ cup milk); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 tbsp dried basil; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (or more to taste); ¼ tsp salt (plus more to taste); ½ cup reserved pasta cooking water

Description

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is a creamy, Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken, gooey mozzarella, and a rich sun-dried tomato sauce. This flavorful, comforting meal is perfect for a cozy dinner or family gathering, bringing the taste of Italy to your table. With minimal ingredients and effort, this recipe is easy to make and customizable for different preferences.

Ingredients

8 oz penne pasta
1 lb chicken tenderloins, sliced
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp paprika
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 oz sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup half-and-half (or ½ cup cream + ½ cup milk)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tbsp dried basil
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
¼ tsp salt (plus more to taste)
½ cup reserved pasta cooking water

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook penne pasta al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta cooking water before draining.
Season the Chicken: Season the sliced chicken with salt and paprika.
Cook the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove sun-dried tomatoes and set aside.
Sear the Chicken: In the same skillet, sear the seasoned chicken over high heat for 1-2 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, bring half-and-half to a simmer. Remove from heat and whisk in the shredded mozzarella until smooth and creamy.
Combine Ingredients: Add basil, red pepper flakes, pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
Adjust Consistency: If needed, add reserved pasta cooking water to reach the desired saucy consistency.
Season and Serve: Season with additional salt and red pepper flakes to taste. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Notes

Seafood Option: Substitute chicken with shrimp or scallops for a delicious variation.
Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or chili oil for an extra kick.
Extra Veggies: Incorporate spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to boost vegetable content.