Name: Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy, and Flavor-Packed
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American / Fusion
Ingredients: 12 oz farfalle pasta (bow-tie) – al dente; 1 lb chicken tenders – tender and juicy; 4 slices bacon, chopped – adds smoky crunch; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – bright and tangy; 3 cloves garlic, minced – fresh for best flavor; 1 small onion, finely chopped – adds sweetness; 1 cup shredded mozzarella – gooey, melty goodness; 1 cup half-and-half – creamy, can substitute heavy cream; ¼ cup grated Parmesan – nutty, sharp flavor; 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped – fresh herb garnish; 1 tsp paprika – warmth and color; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – mild kick; Salt & pepper to taste – essential seasoning

Description

This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy meal. Tender chicken, gooey mozzarella, crispy bacon, and bright sun-dried tomatoes come together in a rich, indulgent sauce that’s ready in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz farfalle pasta (bow-tie) – al dente

1 lb chicken tenders – tender and juicy

4 slices bacon, chopped – adds smoky crunch

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – bright and tangy

3 cloves garlic, minced – fresh for best flavor

1 small onion, finely chopped – adds sweetness

1 cup shredded mozzarella – gooey, melty goodness

1 cup half-and-half – creamy, can substitute heavy cream

¼ cup grated Parmesan – nutty, sharp flavor

2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped – fresh herb garnish

1 tsp paprika – warmth and color

¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – mild kick

Salt & pepper to taste – essential seasoning

Instructions

Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; reserve ½ cup pasta water.

Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy; remove and set aside.

Sauté garlic and onion in the skillet for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

Season chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper; cook in skillet until golden and fully cooked.

Stir in half-and-half and mozzarella, letting cheese melt into a creamy sauce. Add Parmesan and a splash of pasta water if needed.

Toss in pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and crispy bacon until coated.

Remove from heat; sprinkle with fresh basil and red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning.

Serve warm and enjoy immediately.

Notes

Adjust spice by omitting or adding red pepper flakes.

Swap chicken for shrimp, turkey, or vegetables.

Make vegetarian by skipping chicken and bacon; add mushrooms or zucchini.

Use gluten-free pasta if needed; cooking times may vary.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with half-and-half.

Sauce can be made a day ahead and reheated before tossing with freshly cooked pasta

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dinner / Pasta
Method: Sauté & Boil
Cuisine: American / Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 580 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 620 mg
Fat: 36 g
Saturated Fat: 16 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: Chicken Mozzarella Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, cheesy pasta recipe, quick dinner recipe