Introduction

Chicken Pesto Penne with Mozzarella is a mouthwatering Italian-inspired pasta dish that combines juicy chicken, al dente penne pasta, fragrant basil pesto, and gooey mozzarella cheese. This dish is both comforting and refreshing — the pesto gives it a vibrant herby flavor, while the melted mozzarella adds a creamy, indulgent touch. It’s the perfect meal when you want something hearty yet bright, and it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. The pesto gives it that fresh, garlicky, and nutty taste that pairs beautifully with pasta, while the mozzarella melts into the dish, creating creamy little pockets of cheese. The chicken makes it satisfying and protein-packed, making it a complete one-bowl meal. It’s versatile enough for a casual dinner but elegant enough to serve when entertaining guests.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try because it brings together the best of Italian flavors in a dish that’s easy, fast, and family-friendly. Unlike heavy cream-based pastas, pesto keeps it light and aromatic while still delivering richness. Adding mozzarella gives it a comfort-food twist, making it universally loved by kids and adults alike. It’s also customizable — you can swap proteins, veggies, or even make it vegetarian.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~520–560 per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main course, Dinner

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized cubes)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Sauce & Mix-Ins:

• ½ cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese (fresh mozzarella balls or shredded)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook pasta until al dente; reserve pasta water.
2. Sear chicken in olive oil with garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss cooked pasta with chicken, pesto, and a splash of pasta water.
4. Add cherry tomatoes and mozzarella.
5. Garnish with basil and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook penne pasta until al dente according to package directions.
• Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain pasta.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

• In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
• Add garlic in the last minute of cooking.

Step 3: Toss with Pesto and Pasta

• Add drained pasta to the skillet with chicken.
• Stir in ½ cup basil pesto and a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Step 4: Add Mix-Ins

• Stir in cherry tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.
• Toss until mozzarella begins to melt slightly and tomatoes soften.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

• Sprinkle with Parmesan (if using).
• Garnish with fresh basil.
• Serve warm.

How to Serve

• Serve in shallow bowls with extra Parmesan sprinkled on top.
• Pair with garlic bread or a fresh side salad.
• Great with a glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use fresh mozzarella balls (“bocconcini”) for creamy, melty pockets of cheese.
• Reserve pasta water — it helps bind the pesto to the pasta.
• If using store-bought pesto, choose a high-quality one made with real olive oil and Parmesan.
• Add the mozzarella at the end to prevent it from over-melting into a stringy mess.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Version: Skip chicken and add roasted zucchini, mushrooms, or asparagus.
2. Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or chili oil.
3. Different Protein: Replace chicken with shrimp, sausage, or grilled salmon.
4. Creamy Pesto Pasta: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or cream cheese for a creamier sauce.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or olive oil.
• Freezing: Not ideal for freezing due to mozzarella and pesto losing freshness, but you can freeze plain cooked chicken and pasta, then add pesto and cheese fresh when reheating.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for pasta)
• Large skillet (for chicken and sauce)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander
• Measuring cups & spoons

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use homemade pesto?
Yes! Homemade pesto makes this dish even fresher and more flavorful.

Q2: Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely — it works well with any type of pasta.

Q3: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead, then toss everything with pesto and cheese just before serving.

Q4: Can I substitute mozzarella with another cheese?
Yes, provolone, fontina, or even goat cheese would work beautifully.

Q5: How do I prevent pesto from turning dark?
Avoid overheating pesto; stir it in at the end with the pasta off the heat if possible.

Conclusion

Chicken Pesto Penne with Mozzarella is a vibrant, cheesy, and satisfying pasta dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With juicy chicken, herbaceous pesto, sweet tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that works for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Quick, customizable, and bursting with flavor — this recipe is a must-try for pasta lovers looking to add something fresh yet indulgent to their table.