Chicken Mozzarella Pasta (Print Version)

Juicy chicken and melted mozzarella combined with pasta in a rich garlic cream sauce for a comforting, satisfying dinner.

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 cup heavy cream
05 - 1 cup chicken broth
06 - 8 ounces penne pasta
07 - 1 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
09 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
10 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
11 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
12 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

# Steps:

01 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
02 - While the skillet heats, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried basil.
03 - Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through.
04 - Transfer the chicken breasts to a cutting board and let them rest for a few minutes.
05 - Slice the chicken into thin strips and set it aside.
06 - In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
07 - Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
08 - Add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine, and continue simmering for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
09 - While the sauce simmers, cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes.
10 - Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set it aside.
11 - Reduce the heat to low on the skillet and stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing the cheese to melt into the sauce.
12 - Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
13 - If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
14 - Season the pasta with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, then stir in the sliced chicken.
15 - Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

# Notes:

01 - Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking its internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (75°C).
02 - For a creamier sauce, add a bit more heavy cream or use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
03 - To enhance flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
04 - For added texture, top with extra Parmesan cheese or toasted breadcrumbs before serving.
05 - If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

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