Effortless Skillet Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: Your New Favorite 30-Minute Weeknight Meal
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Discover the ultimate weeknight dinner solution with this incredibly easy and unbelievably delicious Chicken Mozzarella Pasta. This recipe is your go-to when you crave a hearty, homemade meal bursting with flavor, but have limited time and energy. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts simmering in a rich, vibrant tomato sauce, crowned with generous layers of melted, gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s a simple dish that delivers maximum comfort and satisfaction, making it a staple for busy families and solo cooks alike. Whether you serve it over your favorite pasta for a classic hearty dish or enjoy it on its own for a lighter, low-carb alternative, this meal promises a delightful experience with minimal effort.
One of the many charms of this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is its delightful cheesiness, providing that irresistibly stretchy, savory goodness everyone loves. However, if you’re catering to friends or family members with dietary restrictions, particularly dairy sensitivities, adapting this recipe is wonderfully simple. Just omit the mozzarella cheese. The rich tomato sauce and flavorful chicken ensure the dish remains incredibly delicious and satisfying, even without the cheese. Its inherent versatility makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion, proving that sometimes, the simplest ingredients create the most memorable meals.
Essential Ingredients for Your Skillet Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
One of the best aspects of this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta recipe is that it relies on readily available ingredients you likely already have on hand. As an avid home cook, I make it a point to keep my freezer stocked with chicken breasts and my fridge brimming with an assortment of jarred sauces and various cheeses. This preparation ensures I can whip up delicious, wholesome meals like this one at a moment’s notice, transforming everyday staples into something extraordinary. Here’s a closer look at the simple yet impactful components:
- Butter & Olive Oil: The dynamic duo for sautéing, providing a rich base for your chicken and enhancing its flavor. The butter adds a creamy depth, while olive oil ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
- Chicken Breast: A lean and versatile protein. I recommend slicing it horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This technique significantly reduces cooking time and helps the chicken remain incredibly moist and tender, preventing it from drying out. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor.
- Dried Oregano & Dried Basil: These classic Italian herbs are crucial for infusing your dish with an authentic, aromatic Mediterranean profile. They are pantry essentials that deliver big on flavor.
- Onion Powder: A secret weapon for adding a subtle, savory onion flavor without the need for chopping fresh onions, saving you precious prep time.
- Salt & Pepper: The fundamental seasonings that elevate all the other flavors. Always season generously to taste at each stage of cooking for the best results.
- Jarred Marinara Sauce: The backbone of our sauce. Don’t underestimate the power of a high-quality jarred marinara. Choose your absolute favorite brand – one with rich tomato flavor and minimal added sugars – to ensure the best outcome for your dish.
- Pasta: The perfect vehicle for soaking up all that delicious sauce. While I personally love cellentani for its unique shape that captures sauce beautifully, feel free to use any pasta shape you enjoy. Penne, rotini, farfalle, or even spaghetti would work wonderfully.
- Sliced Mozzarella Cheese: The star of the show for that irresistible melted topping. You can buy pre-sliced mozzarella for convenience or slice it yourself from a block of fresh mozzarella for superior texture and flavor. Low-moisture mozzarella melts beautifully and creates a fantastic cheesy crust.
Simple Steps to Making Your Delicious Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
Prepare to be amazed by how quickly this incredible meal comes together! From initial prep to serving on your table, this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta dish is ready in just about half an hour. Seriously, any evening I can get a wholesome, flavorful dinner on the table in 30 minutes, I feel like a culinary superhero! This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Step 1: Get Your Pasta Ready. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it’s al dente – tender but with a slight bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside. This step can often be done simultaneously with the chicken prep to maximize efficiency.
Step 2: Prepare and Season the Chicken. While your pasta is cooking, turn your attention to the chicken. Take your chicken breasts and carefully slice them in half horizontally, creating thinner cutlets. This clever trick isn’t just about faster cooking; it also helps the chicken absorb flavors better and ensures it remains incredibly moist and tender. Once sliced, generously season both sides of each chicken cutlet with dried oregano, dried basil, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasonings – they are key to a flavorful dish!
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add both the olive oil and butter, allowing the butter to melt completely and the mixture to shimmer. A good quality non-stick sauté pan or a sturdy cast-iron skillet works wonders here. If you’re in need of new cookware, consider investing in a non-stick sauté pan or perhaps my favorite pink pans for an excellent cooking experience! Once the pan is ready, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them for about 4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and mostly cooked through.
Step 4: Simmer in Marinara. Once the chicken has a beautiful sear, pour the entire jar of your favorite marinara sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Give it a gentle stir to ensure the chicken is well coated. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for an additional 7-10 minutes. This simmering period allows the chicken to finish cooking through, becoming incredibly tender, and truly melds all the delicious flavors of the sauce and seasonings.
Step 5: Melt the Mozzarella. The final, glorious touch! Arrange the slices of mozzarella cheese over the chicken breasts in the skillet. Once again, place the lid back on the skillet. The residual heat from the simmering sauce and the covered environment will quickly melt the mozzarella into a beautifully bubbly, golden-brown blanket of cheesy goodness. This usually takes just a few minutes – keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy! To assemble your masterpiece, scoop a generous portion of your cooked pasta into a bowl or onto a plate. Top it with one or two of those succulent, sauce-laden, cheese-covered chicken breasts. Don’t forget to spoon plenty of the yummy marinara sauce over everything. Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired. This dish is best enjoyed immediately, allowing you to savor every warm, comforting bite. It’s truly a meal that feels special, yet is so wonderfully straightforward to create!
Pro Tips and Variations for Your Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
While this recipe is fantastic as is, here are some ideas to customize it and make it even better:
- Add Fresh Garlic: For an extra layer of flavor, mince 2-3 cloves of garlic and sauté them in the butter and olive oil for about 30 seconds before adding the chicken. This will infuse the entire dish with a wonderful aroma.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the dried herbs. This gives a subtle kick that complements the tomato sauce beautifully.
- Sneak in Veggies: Boost the nutritional value by adding some chopped vegetables. Sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini can be sautéed with the chicken or stirred into the marinara sauce to simmer.
- Different Cheeses: While mozzarella is classic, feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses. Provolone, a blend of Italian cheeses, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan over the top once served can add different flavor dimensions.
- Homemade Sauce: If you have time, using a homemade marinara sauce will undoubtedly elevate this dish to another level. However, a good quality jarred sauce makes this a truly convenient weeknight option.
- Creamy Twist: For an even richer sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese into the marinara sauce during the simmering stage. This creates a luxurious, velvety texture.
- Low-Carb Option: As mentioned, serving the chicken and sauce without pasta makes for a delicious low-carb meal. You can also serve it over spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Garnish for Freshness: A final sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil before serving adds a burst of fresh flavor and a vibrant pop of color.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish makes excellent leftovers. Store the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta
This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta isn’t just another recipe; it’s a promise of a satisfying meal that’s both simple and deeply comforting. Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your rotation:
- Unbeatable Flavor: The combination of tender, herb-seasoned chicken, rich marinara, and melted mozzarella is a classic for a reason. Each bite is a harmonious blend of savory, tangy, and cheesy goodness.
- Incredibly Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cook time, you can have a full, homemade meal on the table in about half an hour. It’s perfect for those evenings when time is a luxury.
- Minimal Effort: This recipe utilizes simple techniques and common ingredients, making it accessible even for novice cooks. The one-skillet approach for the chicken and sauce also means less cleanup!
- Versatile & Adaptable: Easily modified to suit dietary preferences (like the dairy-free option) or to incorporate additional vegetables, herbs, or different types of cheese. It’s a canvas for your culinary creativity.
- Family-Friendly: A universally loved dish that appeals to all ages. The mild yet flavorful profile ensures even picky eaters will enjoy it.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: There’s something inherently soul-satisfying about a warm bowl of pasta with flavorful chicken and melted cheese. It’s the perfect antidote to a long day.
So, next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, remember this Easy Skillet Chicken Mozzarella Pasta. It’s proof that delicious, homemade meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Enjoy the journey from your kitchen to a table full of happy faces!
More Delightful One-Skillet & One-Pot Recipes
If you loved the simplicity and flavor of this dish, you’ll definitely want to explore more of my easy one-pot and one-skillet recipes:
One Pot Lemon Chicken and Rice
Creamy Chicken Skillet with Tomatoes and Zucchini
Hearty Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup
Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Skillet
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Ingredients
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced in half horizontally
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 24 oz jar marinara sauce
- ¾ lb pasta , (any shape you love, like cellentani, penne, or rotini)
- Sliced mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides generously with oregano, basil, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Pour the jar of marinara sauce over the chicken. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 7 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and tender.
- Arrange the mozzarella slices over the chicken. Place the lid back on the skillet and allow the cheese to melt into a bubbly, delicious layer (2-3 minutes). Serve the cheesy chicken and sauce immediately over the cooked pasta. Enjoy!
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.