An easy and delicious weeknight dinner that will delight the whole family! This irresistible creamy chicken mozzarella pasta features tender farfalle pasta generously tossed with perfectly seasoned chicken, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and smoky, crispy bacon, all enveloped in a rich and cheesy sauce. Get ready to make this show-stopping dinner tonight!

Are you constantly searching for satisfying homemade dinner ideas that don’t demand hours of elaborate prep work? You’re not alone! The quest for a quick, yet incredibly flavorful meal led me down a delightful path recently. While browsing for inspiration, I stumbled upon a fantastic-looking recipe at Julia’s Album. The concept was so appealing, but I immediately envisioned adding my own personal touch, incorporating a few pantry staples to enhance its already promising profile.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a culinary triumph that hits all the right notes for a perfect weeknight meal. It masterfully combines convenience with gourmet flavors, ensuring that even on the busiest evenings, you can enjoy a wholesome and utterly delicious dinner without the stress.

• Effortless One-Pan Wonder: Beyond the pot needed to boil your pasta, this entire rich sauce and chicken come together in a single skillet. This means significantly fewer dishes to wash after dinner – a huge win in any household! Spend less time scrubbing and more time savoring.
• Irresistible Flavor Symphony: Each forkful offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes. The tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes perfectly complements the savory, well-seasoned chicken. These elements are then enrobed in a luxuriously creamy, cheesy mozzarella sauce, creating a harmonious and deeply satisfying flavor profile.
• The Magic of Bacon: Let’s be honest, everything truly is better with a sprinkle of crispy, smoky bacon! The added bacon bits introduce a fantastic textural contrast and an extra layer of savory depth that elevates this pasta from great to truly extraordinary. It’s the secret ingredient that makes this dish unforgettable. If you love bacon as much as I do, you might enjoy these other bacon recipes too.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: This recipe is a proven crowd-pleaser. Its comforting, familiar flavors make it an instant hit with both adults and children, guaranteeing clean plates and happy faces around the dinner table.
• Quick & Convenient: From start to finish, this meal can be on your table in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings when you crave a homemade meal but are short on time.

Essential Ingredients for the Ultimate Creamy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Crafting this incredibly flavorful and easy pasta dish requires a handful of accessible ingredients, many of which you might already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

• Minced Garlic: The aromatic base that builds the foundation of flavor. Freshly minced is always best for maximum impact.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These are a game-changer! I highly recommend using the kind packed in oil, as you’ll utilize some of that rich, flavorful oil in the sautéing process. They add a concentrated burst of sweet and tangy goodness.
• Olive Oil (optional): A small amount might be needed if the sun-dried tomato oil isn’t quite enough to prevent sticking.
• Chicken Tenders: Opt for tenders for their quick cooking time and inherent tenderness. If using chicken breasts, simply slice them into similar tender-sized pieces.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Basic seasonings to bring out the best in the chicken and the overall dish. Season generously to your taste.
• Paprika: Adds a beautiful color and a subtle, warm, earthy flavor to the chicken.
• Half and Half: This is key to achieving that perfectly creamy, luscious sauce without being overly heavy. You can substitute with heavy cream for a richer sauce or milk for a lighter version, adjusting consistency with pasta water.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The star of the creamy sauce, melting beautifully to create a smooth, cheesy embrace for the pasta and chicken. Freshly shredded always melts better than pre-shredded.
• Farfalle Pasta (Bow Tie Pasta): These charming shapes are ideal for catching and holding the rich sauce, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. Remember to reserve some of the starchy pasta water!
• Dried Basil: A classic herb that complements the tomatoes and chicken beautifully. If you have fresh basil, even better – simply adjust the quantity.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For a gentle warmth and a subtle kick. Adjust the amount according to your preference for spice.
• Bacon: Crispy, crumbled bacon adds a salty, smoky depth and delightful crunch. Cook it until perfectly crisp before adding to the pasta.

For the exact measurements and detailed instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located at the very bottom of this post.

Crafting Your Easy Chicken Mozzarella Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing this incredibly satisfying creamy chicken pasta is simpler than you might imagine. Follow these straightforward steps to create a delightful meal that tastes like it took hours, but comes together in a flash.

1. Prepare the Aromatics: Begin by finely chopping a 4-ounce jar of sun-dried tomatoes into small, manageable pieces. In a large, deep skillet (preferably oven-safe for easy transfer later, though not strictly necessary), heat the reserved oil from the sun-dried tomato jar. Add your minced garlic and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and sauté them over medium-high heat for about a minute, just until fragrant and slightly softened. Remove the sun-dried tomatoes from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Sear the Chicken: Season your chicken tenders generously on both sides with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and paprika. If needed, add a small splash of olive oil to the skillet. Place the seasoned chicken tenders in the hot pan and cook for approximately one minute per side, aiming for a beautiful golden-brown sear. Don’t worry about cooking them through at this stage; they will continue to cook later in the sauce. Once seared, remove the chicken from the pan and carefully cut each tender into bite-sized pieces.
3. Build the Creamy Sauce: Return the cut chicken pieces to the skillet. Pour in the half and half, then sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella cheese. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir continuously until the cheese completely melts and combines with the half and half, forming a thick, luxurious, and uniform sauce. The chicken will finish cooking as it gently simmers in this rich sauce, absorbing all the wonderful flavors.
4. Cook the Pasta: While your sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Before draining the pasta, make sure to reserve about one cup of the starchy pasta water. This “liquid gold” is crucial for achieving the perfect sauce consistency.
5. Combine and Thicken: Drain the cooked farfalle pasta and immediately add it to the creamy cheese sauce in the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated. Now, gradually add a little of the reserved pasta water at a time, stirring constantly. The starch from the pasta water helps to emulsify the sauce, making it incredibly smooth and creamy. Be cautious not to add too much at once – you can always add more if the sauce is too thick, but you can’t remove it if it becomes too thin. Continue adding small amounts until your desired sauce consistency is achieved.
6. Final Flavor Boost: Stir in the dried basil and crushed red pepper flakes (add more red pepper for an extra kick!). Finally, sprinkle in the crumbled, crispy bacon. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Allow the entire dish to simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh basil or a few more red pepper flakes if you wish. Prepare for rave reviews!

Delicious Recipe Variations to Suit Your Taste

One of the best things about this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is its versatility. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients to make it uniquely yours:

• Vegetable Additions: While the sun-dried tomatoes are a personal favorite and truly make this dish special, you can certainly omit them or swap them out. Consider adding other vibrant vegetables like tender asparagus spears, sweet sautéed red bell peppers, spinach (stirred in at the very end until wilted), or even mushrooms for an earthy depth.
• Herb Alternatives: For a burst of fresh flavor, substitute dried basil with fresh basil leaves. A general rule of thumb is 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs for every 1 teaspoon of dried herbs. Fresh parsley or oregano would also be delightful additions.
• Pasta Perfection: Don’t feel limited to farfalle! This recipe is incredibly adaptable to different pasta shapes. Penne pasta, rotini, cavatappi, or even fettuccine would work wonderfully, each offering a slightly different texture and way to hold the creamy sauce.
• Protein Power-Ups: If you’re pressed for time, using pre-cooked protein is a fantastic shortcut. Shredded rotisserie chicken is an excellent substitute for raw chicken tenders. Simply add the shredded chicken pieces directly to the sauce in step 3, allowing them to warm through and soak up the flavors. You could also try cooked shrimp for a seafood twist!
• Cheese Choices: While mozzarella offers a classic melt, consider blending it with a touch of Parmesan for a sharper, saltier kick, or a bit of provolone for a different creamy texture.
• Spicy Kick: If you love heat, don’t hold back on the crushed red pepper flakes! A pinch of cayenne pepper could also add a fiery dimension.

Serving Suggestions and Quantity

This recipe is designed to generously serve 4 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or a delightful meal with a few friends. For larger gatherings, you can easily double the recipe; just be sure to use a larger skillet or cook in batches to ensure even cooking.

Storing Your Leftover Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Any leftover Chicken Mozzarella Pasta makes for a fantastic lunch or another quick dinner. Simply transfer the cooled leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat, you can gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Can I Freeze This Pasta Dish?

Yes, you can freeze this pasta dish, but it’s important to note that creamy sauces, like this mozzarella-based one, sometimes separate or change texture slightly upon thawing and reheating. The dairy can become a bit grainy. To help mitigate this, try adding a tablespoon or two of fresh cream or milk when you are reheating the dish to bring back its luscious consistency.

If you choose to freeze this meal, store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container or tightly wrap a pan with aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the pasta in the refrigerator overnight. Then, transfer it to a skillet over medium heat and reheat, stirring occasionally, until it’s hot and the sauce is smooth again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Simply slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch thick strips or bite-sized cubes to ensure they cook quickly and evenly, similar to tenders.

What if I don’t have half and half?

You can substitute with heavy cream for an even richer sauce, or a mixture of whole milk and a tablespoon of cornstarch (slurried in cold milk) to achieve a similar creamy consistency. Keep in mind the flavor and richness will vary slightly.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and bacon. You can replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, chickpeas, or additional vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for a hearty plant-based alternative.

Can I prepare any part of this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook and crumble the bacon ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. You can also chop the sun-dried tomatoes and mince the garlic. Cooking the chicken ahead is also possible, but it’s best integrated into the sauce while warm for optimal flavor absorption.

My sauce is too thick/thin. How can I fix it?

If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in more reserved pasta water (or a splash of milk/cream) until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can let it simmer gently for a few more minutes to reduce, or mix a tiny bit of cornstarch with cold water, add it to the simmering sauce, and stir until thickened.

More Irresistible Chicken Pasta Meals

Chicken and pasta form a dynamic duo in my kitchen, frequently appearing in my dinner rotation due to their versatility and crowd-pleasing nature. If you loved this recipe, I’m confident you’ll enjoy exploring these other fantastic pasta creations:

• Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
• Buffalo Chicken Spinach Alfredo
• Chicken Alfredo Casserole
• Chicken Parmesan Spinach Pasta Bake
• Hearty Chicken Noodle Casserole

Which one will you try next? They’re all delicious options for your next family meal!

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Created by:
Lynne Feifer

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta

Course
Dinners

Cuisine
American

Prep Time

25 minutes
minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes
minutes

Total Time

45 minutes
minutes

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4
servings

Chicken Mozzarella Pasta is an easy and delicious weeknight dinner the whole family will enjoy – bow tie pasta tossed with seasoned chicken tenders, sun-dried tomatoes, and bacon in a creamy sauce.

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Ingredients

  

• 
  ▢
  
  4
  cloves
  garlic
  minced
• 
  ▢
  
  4
  ounces
  sun-dried tomatoes in oil
  drained with oil reserved
• 
  ▢
  
  small amount of olive oil
  if necessary for cooking chicken
• 
  ▢
  
  1
  pound
  chicken tenders
• 
  ▢
  
  salt and freshly ground black pepper
  to season chicken
• 
  ▢
  
  1
  tablespoon
  paprika
• 
  ▢
  
  1
  cup
  half and half
• 
  ▢
  
  1
  cup
  shredded mozzarella cheese
• 
  ▢
  
  8
  ounces
  Farfalle pasta
• 
  ▢
  
  1
  tablespoon
  basil
  if using dry basil, if using fresh basil you can add more
• 
  ▢
  
  ¼
  teaspoon
  crushed red pepper flakes
  at least, add more to taste
• 
  ▢
  
  ½
  cup
  reserved cooked pasta water
  or more
• 
  ▢
  
  salt
  to taste finished dish before serving
• 
  ▢
  
  6
  slices
  cooked bacon
  crumbled

Instructions

• Drain the sun-dried tomatoes from the oil, reserving 2 tablespoons of the flavorful oil for sautéing later. Finely chop the sun-dried tomatoes into small, uniform pieces.
• In a large skillet, heat the 2 tablespoons of reserved sun-dried tomato oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for about one minute until fragrant.
• Using a slotted spoon, remove the sautéed sun-dried tomatoes from the pan and set them aside.
• Season both sides of the chicken tenders generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and paprika. Ensure the paprika is evenly distributed for maximum flavor and color.
• If necessary, add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet to prevent sticking. Place the seasoned chicken tenders in the hot pan over high heat and cook for approximately one minute on each side until lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
• Meanwhile, cook the farfalle pasta in a separate large pot according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Then, drain the pasta thoroughly.
• Return the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Gently pour in the 1 cup of half and half and add the shredded mozzarella cheese. Bring the mixture to a slow, steady boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer. Stir constantly until the cheese melts completely and forms a thick, creamy sauce.
• Add the cooked farfalle pasta to the pan with the sauce. Mix thoroughly, ensuring all the pasta is coated evenly.
• Stir in the dried basil and crushed red pepper flakes. Add more red pepper flakes if you desire a spicier dish.
• Gradually pour in approximately ½ cup of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to thin the cheese sauce and make it extra creamy. Use your judgment to achieve your preferred sauce consistency – you don’t want it to be too watery.
• Add the crumbled, crispy bacon to the skillet and mix gently to combine all the delicious ingredients.
• Taste the finished dish and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
• Allow the contents of the skillet to simmer together for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
• Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh basil or red pepper flakes, if desired. Enjoy your homemade creamy chicken mozzarella pasta!

Nutrition

Serving:
1
serving

|

Calories:
629
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
54
g

|

Protein:
46
g

|

Fat:
25
g

|

Saturated Fat:
11
g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
3
g

|

Monounsaturated Fat:
9
g

|

Trans Fat:
0.03
g

|

Cholesterol:
128
mg

|

Sodium:
628
mg

|

Potassium:
1207
mg

|

Fiber:
4
g

|

Sugar:
5
g

|

Vitamin A:
1732
IU

|

Vitamin C:
32
mg

|

Calcium:
249
mg

|

Iron:
3
mg

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This post was originally published September 26, 2015. It has been updated in format and with pictures on January 7, 2025.