Here's a recipe for Chicken Mozzarella Pasta, including the required ingredients, cooking steps, and some tips to make it tastier. I'll also provide some suggestions for variations using different ingredients.
**Ingredients:**
* 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine)
* 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 2 cloves of garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 1 tsp. dried basil
* 1 tsp. dried oregano
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
**Recommended variations:**
* Add some spice: Use red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to give your dish a spicy kick.
* Go Mediterranean: Replace the chicken broth with lemon juice and add some chopped Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean twist.
* Add some herbs: Mix in some chopped fresh parsley, basil, or oregano into the pasta sauce for extra flavor.
* Make it creamy: Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce for a richer taste.
**Cooking steps:**
1. **Cook the pasta:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. **Prepare the chicken:** In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. **Soften the garlic:** Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same pan. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. **Add the wine and broth:** Pour in the white wine (if using) and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the liquid has reduced by half, about 2-3 minutes.
5. **Add the tomato and herbs:** Add the diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5-7 minutes.
6. **Combine the sauce and pasta:** Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water.
7. **Add the chicken and mozzarella:** Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and stir to combine with the pasta and sauce. Top the pasta with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. **Finish with parsley (optional):** Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top of the dish for a pop of color and freshness.
9. **Serve and enjoy:** Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
**Cooking tips:**
* Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh herbs, good-quality cheese, and ripe tomatoes will make a big difference in the flavor of your dish.
* Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta is essential to prevent it from becoming mushy or overcooked.
* Don't overcook the chicken: Cook the chicken until it's just browned and cooked through, as overcooking can make it dry and tough.
* Use the right cheese: Mozzarella is the classic choice for this dish, but you can also use other melted cheeses like cheddar or parmesan.
* Experiment with flavors: Try adding different herbs, spices, or ingredients to make the dish your own.
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