Easy Cheesy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta for Family Dinners

Byarlo Jack
Easy Cheesy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta for Family Dinners

When it comes to weeknight dinners, nothing beats a hearty bowl of pasta. This Easy Cheesy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is the ultimate family favorite; creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken pieces that make it both filling and comforting. Perfect for busy nights, it comes together in under an hour and is sure to please kids and adults alike. If you love this cheesy chicken pasta, you’ll also enjoy my Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni which is rich, flavorful, and just as comforting for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta recipe isn’t just another dinner, it’s a cozy hug in a bowl. With gooey mozzarella that stretches with every bite, seasoned chicken for added protein, and pasta cooked to perfection, it’s a balance of flavors and textures. Plus, it’s versatile, use your favorite pasta shape, add vegetables, or spice it up for a personalized twist.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

When feeding your family, it helps to know what’s in your meal. This pasta offers a balance of carbs for energy, protein from chicken, and calcium from the cheese. While it’s rich and indulgent, you can easily lighten it up with whole wheat pasta or more vegetables without sacrificing flavor.

  • Calories: 520
  • Protein: 34g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fat: 21g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Calcium: 250mg

Time Breakdown

Family dinners should be delicious but also stress-free. This pasta takes just about 40 minutes from start to finish, making it a great option for weeknights when you want a hearty, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

Keeping dinner simple is key, and this recipe uses pantry staples you probably already have on hand. From chicken and pasta to marinara and mozzarella, each ingredient is easy to find yet combines into a dish that tastes extraordinary.

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 chicken breasts, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni work best)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Condensed Grocery Checklist

If you’re short on time at the store, this checklist has you covered. With just a handful of fresh and packaged ingredients, you can whip up this cheesy pasta without fuss.

  • Chicken breasts
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic, onion
  • Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper
  • Marinara sauce
  • Heavy cream
  • Pasta (penne/rigatoni)
  • Mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil/parsley

How to Make – Step by Step

Cooking this pasta is straightforward, thanks to its one-pan sauce and simple steps. Even beginner cooks will find it easy to follow, and the results are always creamy, cheesy, and satisfying.

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the chicken – In a skillet, heat olive oil. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown.
  3. Add aromatics – Stir in garlic and onion, cooking until fragrant.
  4. Make the sauce – Pour in marinara sauce and heavy cream. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
  5. Combine pasta and cheese – Add cooked pasta into the sauce, then stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
  6. Serve hot – Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of cheese.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

This recipe is flexible and can be adapted to your taste or what’s in your fridge. Whether you want to add veggies, change the protein, or spice things up, you can easily adjust it to fit your family’s preferences.

  • Swap chicken for shrimp or ground turkey for a lighter option.
  • Use whole-wheat pasta for extra fiber.
  • Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a veggie boost.
  • Make it spicy with red chili flakes or jalapeños.

Serving Suggestions

A dish this good deserves to be served with the right sides. Pair it with garlic bread, salad, or roasted veggies for a balanced, restaurant-style meal right at home.

  • Serve with a side of garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks.
  • Add a crisp Caesar salad or roasted veggies for balance.
  • Pair with a glass of sparkling water, iced tea, or red wine for adults.
  • For a fresh and crunchy side, you can also serve this pasta with a Carrot Salad, its sweetness and crisp texture perfectly complement the creamy, cheesy flavors.

Storing Tips

Leftovers don’t have to be boring, this pasta reheats beautifully. With a few tricks, you can enjoy the same creamy, cheesy goodness the next day or even freeze portions for future dinners.

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
  • Freeze in portion sizes for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a simple pasta recipe has its pitfalls. From overcooking the noodles to adding cheese too early, avoiding these common mistakes ensures your dish turns out perfect every time.

  • Overcooking pasta – It will get mushy when mixed with sauce.
  • Skipping the cream – It balances acidity in marinara and creates richness.
  • Not seasoning chicken enough – Season well for bold flavor in every bite.
  • Adding cheese too early – It may clump; stir it in after sauce thickens.

Chef’s Special Tips

Small tricks can elevate your pasta from good to unforgettable. Using fresh mozzarella, saving pasta water, or finishing with fresh herbs can add flavor and texture that takes this dish to the next level.

  • Use fresh mozzarella for extra gooeyness and flavor.
  • Toast a bit of garlic in the olive oil before adding chicken for depth.
  • Save a little pasta water—it helps bind the sauce and makes it silkier.
  • For a golden top, transfer pasta to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese, and broil for 5 minutes.

Conclusion

This Easy Cheesy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is everything a family dinner should be, quick, comforting, and irresistibly cheesy. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will make weeknights feel special without the stress. Add it to your meal rotation, and watch it disappear from plates in no time!

FAQs

Yes! You can cook the pasta and sauce separately ahead of time, then combine them just before serving. If preparing fully ahead, store it in the fridge and reheat with a splash of milk or cream to keep it creamy.

Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini work great because they hold the sauce well. However, you can use spaghetti or fettuccine if that’s what you have on hand.

Absolutely. Leftover grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even shredded baked chicken can be added at the sauce stage to save time.

Yes! Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk, use whole-wheat pasta, and reduce the cheese slightly. You can also add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to lighten it up.

Add crushed red chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños when cooking the sauce. A drizzle of hot sauce over the final dish also gives it a kick.