If you’re searching for a new weeknight hero to shake up your dinner routine, let me introduce you to Chicken Mozzarella Pasta. This vibrant, creamy dish brings together tender chicken, melty cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and smoky bacon, all tossed with bowtie pasta in a dreamy sauce. It’s the sort of feel-good comfort food that’s just as perfect for a Friday night treat as it is for impressing guests. Trust me, everyone will want a second helping!

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta comes together with a handful of simple, everyday ingredients, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor, color, and indulgent texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why they matter:

Garlic: Minced for aromatic depth and a savory kick that sets the stage for the sauce.
Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: These add bright, tangy flavor and gorgeous pops of color; reserve their oil for extra richness.
Olive oil: Use a dash if needed for sautéing the chicken to golden perfection.
Chicken tenders: Tender and quick to cook, they absorb all the seasonings beautifully.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Simple seasoning that makes every component sing.
Paprika: Brings a gentle warmth and smoky color to the chicken.
Half and half: The heart of the creamy sauce, making everything luxuriously silky.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey strands that bind the pasta, chicken, and sauce together.
Farfalle pasta: Bowtie shapes that grab onto the sauce for the perfect bite every time.
Basil: Adds freshness—use plenty if you’ve got it fresh!
Crushed red pepper flakes: For a little spark; add more if you like a kick.
Reserved cooked pasta water: Essential for customizing the sauce’s texture so it’s never too thick or thin.
Salt (to taste): The finishing touch, bringing all the flavors into perfect balance.
Cooked bacon: Crumbled for that irresistible smoky, savory crunch at the end.

How to Make Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Step 1: Prep the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Garlic

Start by draining those vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, being sure to reserve 2 tablespoons of their delicious oil—that’s liquid gold for sautéing! Chop the tomatoes into smaller pieces so every bite of pasta gets a little taste. Grab the garlic and mince it finely for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes

Set your largest skillet over high heat and let the reserved tomato oil get just warm. Sauté the minced garlic and chopped tomatoes until fragrant, about a minute. This magical combo is the foundation of flavor for your Chicken Mozzarella Pasta. Remove the tomatoes with a slotted spoon so they don’t overcook and reserve them for later.

Step 3: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken tenders dry, then season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. If the skillet needs a little extra moisture, add a splash of olive oil. With the pan still hot, cook the chicken tenders for about one minute per side. This quick sear locks in juiciness and layers the chicken with smoky flavor. Remove the chicken and cut into bite-size pieces.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the farfalle according to the package directions. Just before draining, scoop out a cup of the starchy pasta water—this liquid gold will help later. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 5: Build the Creamy Sauce

Return the chopped tomatoes and bite-sized chicken to your skillet. Pour in the half and half, sprinkle in the mozzarella, and gently bring everything to a steady simmer (not a hard boil). Stir constantly as the cheese melts and blends with the cream, forming a decadent, glossy sauce. This is where the Chicken Mozzarella Pasta magic happens!

Step 6: Bring it All Together

Add the drained pasta straight into the skillet and toss until it’s thoroughly coated in sauce. Sprinkle in basil and crushed red pepper flakes (don’t be shy if you like it spicy). Slowly add the reserved pasta water a bit at a time, stopping when the sauce is your perfect creamy consistency—not too thick, not too runny.

Step 7: Finish with Bacon and Simmer

Now for the final satisfying touch: stir in the crumbled bacon for crunch and extra flavor. Give the pasta a good mix, taste, and add a pinch more salt if needed. Let everything gently simmer for about five minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to cling to the pasta just right.

How to Serve Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Garnishes

I love to top Chicken Mozzarella Pasta with a handful of extra fresh basil, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and maybe even a drizzle of the reserved sun-dried tomato oil if I’ve got some left. These little details make each bite pop with freshness and color—plus, they look gorgeous on the table.

Side Dishes

Keep things simple to let the pasta shine. A lightly dressed green salad or some garlicky roasted vegetables offer bright contrast. If you’re in the mood for comfort, serve with garlic bread or warm focaccia to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve Chicken Mozzarella Pasta family-style in a big, rustic bowl at the center of the table, or go a little fancy and twirl portions onto plates for a dinner party vibe. For ultimate coziness, tuck everything into a shallow casserole, top with extra mozzarella, and broil until bubbly for a melty, golden finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store Chicken Mozzarella Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days. The flavors get even richer as they meld overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to.

Freezing

While you can freeze Chicken Mozzarella Pasta, the creamy sauce may separate slightly after thawing. If you must, divide the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw slowly in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it’s become too thick. Stir often and heat until just warmed through—avoid boiling to keep the chicken tender and the sauce creamy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Just slice them into smaller strips or bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and evenly, staying juicy and flavorful in the finished dish.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes in oil?

You can use dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes—just soak them in hot water for 10 minutes, then toss with a bit of olive oil. The oil-packed version adds extra flavor, but either works in Chicken Mozzarella Pasta.

Is there a substitute for half and half?

If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can use milk with a spoonful of cream, or even just whole milk. It’ll be a little less rich, but still deliciously creamy!

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely! Spinach, roasted bell peppers, or sautéed zucchini are all fantastic stirred in with the pasta. Just add at the end so the veggies stay vibrant and don’t overcook.

What type of pasta can I use instead of farfalle?

You can swap in penne, rotini, fusilli, or any short pasta with nooks to hold that dreamy sauce. Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is wonderfully flexible—use whatever shape you love or have on hand.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to make Chicken Mozzarella Pasta and taste just how special a bowl of pasta can be! When comfort and excitement meet in one dish, it truly brings people together. Treat yourself and try this recipe soon—you’re going to want it on repeat!