Cheesy Mozzarella Garlic Dish (Print)

Creamy garlic chicken pasta with mozzarella & Parmesan

# Ingredients:

→ For the Chicken

01 - 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
04 - 1 tsp Italian seasoning
05 - ½ tsp garlic powder
06 - ¼ tsp paprika
07 - ½ tsp salt
08 - ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ For the Pasta and Sauce

09 - 12 oz spaghetti
10 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter
11 - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
12 - 1 cup heavy cream
13 - ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
14 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
15 - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
16 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
17 - ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
18 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until tender with a slight bite in the center. Drain well and keep ready for the sauce.
02 - Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Add chicken pieces in an even layer without overcrowding. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes to develop a golden exterior, then stir and cook until lightly browned and fully done. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
03 - Reduce skillet heat to medium. Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, keeping the browned bits in the pan. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant, stirring to avoid excessive browning.
04 - Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the pan, stirring to blend and lift any browned bits from the bottom. Allow to come to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
05 - Add softened cream cheese and stir patiently until it melts completely, forming a thick base for the cheese sauce.
06 - Gradually add Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses while stirring continuously until the sauce becomes thick, smooth, glossy, and free of lumps.
07 - Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes for heat if preferred.
08 - Add cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet. Toss with tongs until fully coated in the sauce. Let sit over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes for better coating.
09 - Return chicken to the skillet and fold gently into the pasta. Warm everything together briefly to combine flavors.
10 - Finish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while the sauce is creamy and cheesy.