Cheesy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta with Tomato Sauce

Short Description:
Rich, creamy, and loaded with cheesy goodness, this Cheesy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta with Tomato Sauce is the ultimate comfort food. Featuring tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious mozzarella-infused tomato sauce, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Chicken

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb chicken tenderloins, sliced
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp paprika

For the Sauce

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup half-and-half (or a mix of cream and milk)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp dried basil
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ½ cup reserved pasta cooking water

Optional Garnish

• Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the penne pasta until al dente, according to the package instructions.
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain and set the pasta aside.

2. Season and Cook the Chicken

1. Sprinkle the chicken slices with salt and paprika for flavor.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over high heat.
3. Sear the chicken for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

1. In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil.
2. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Remove the sun-dried tomatoes and set aside with the chicken.

4. Prepare the Cheesy Sauce

1. Reduce the skillet heat to low and pour in the half-and-half.
2. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat and whisk in the shredded mozzarella cheese until smooth and creamy.

5. Combine the Ingredients

1. Return the skillet to low heat and stir in the dried basil and red pepper flakes.
2. Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes, tossing to coat everything evenly in the sauce.

6. Adjust the Sauce

1. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta cooking water a splash at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or red pepper flakes if needed.

7. Serve and Garnish

1. Divide the pasta among plates or bowls.
2. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added flavor and presentation.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness!