Creamy Chicken Rotini with Mozzarella Sauce

I make this Creamy Chicken Rotini with Mozzarella Sauce on purpose and by accident — mostly on purpose. It’s basically a cozy, cheesy pasta hug with chicken that behaves itself, mozzarella that melts like a champ, and a sauce that makes everyone act like they cooked dinner when they only stirred. Try it because it’s comfort food that doesn’t require a PhD in grocery store navigation.

One time my husband tried to “help” by seasoning the chicken. He dumped a spice jar in, blinked, and insisted it was “just a little surprise.” The kids immediately asked if we were having dessert for dinner and then for breakfast. I blamed him, he blamed the jar (it was unlabeled), and I burned the garlic while I laughed. Yes, this pan is too small. No, I won’t wash fewer dishes. We ate it anyway and then argued about whether we should audition for a cooking show or just order pizza next time.

Time-Saving Hacks

– Use rotisserie chicken when you’re single-parenting, tired, or emotionally spent.
– Buy pre-shredded mozzarella if you dislike your hands. Yes, it’s cheating, and yes, it’s worth it.
– One-pot-ish method: brown chicken, remove, make sauce in same pan, toss cooked rotini back in. Fewer dishes = morale boost.
– Microwave the garlic for 10 seconds if you mistakenly burned the fresh stuff and don’t want to confess.

Serving Ideas

– Serve with a simple green salad and a vinaigrette that says “I tried.”
– Add roasted broccoli or green beans because vegetables help you sleep at night.
– Serve with wine if the kids drove you nuts. If they didn’t, pour wine anyway.
– For a lazy crowd: put it in a baking dish, top with extra mozzarella, and broil until golden because crunchy cheese is an emotional uplift.

What to Serve It With

A crusty baguette for sopping up sauce, a simple Caesar if you’re feeling dramatic, or a pile of carrot sticks to convince yourself you’re balanced.

✔Tips & Mistakes

– Pro tip: Don’t overcook the pasta. Al dente is not a suggestion, it’s a lifestyle.
– If your sauce splits, whisk in a splash of warm pasta water slowly and it will pull it back together like kitchen magic.
– Burned garlic tastes like regret. Keep a close eye and a quieter hand.
– If your mozzarella clumps, grate it cold — warm cheese is clingy and dramatic.

✔Storage Tips

Store it in the fridge… if there’s any left. Cold midnight leftovers? Sometimes better than fresh. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream so the sauce remembers how to be silky.

✔Variations and Substitutions

Swap whatever you want—sugar ↔ honey, soy sauce ↔ tamari, or skip steps and call it “deconstructed.” It still counts. Try swapping mozzarella for fontina or adding sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist. Make it vegetarian by substituting mushrooms or tempeh for the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Creamy Chicken Rotini with Mozzarella Sauce

This creamy chicken rotini recipe is perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 12.5 oz rotini pasta or any pasta of your choice
• ▢ 1.5 lb boneless chicken breast, diced
• ▢ 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ▢ 1 cup heavy cream
• ▢ 1 tbsp olive oil
• ▢ 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• ▢ 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ▢ 1 tsp dried basil or fresh if available
• ▢ 1 tsp salt
• ▢ 0.5 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Cook the rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown.
• Stir in minced garlic and dried basil. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in mozzarella and parmesan until melted and smooth.
• Add the cooked rotini to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
• Serve hot, garnished with additional mozzarella or basil as desired.

Notes

For added flavor, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or spinach!