Tomato Mozzarella Pasta

Are you looking for a delicious and comforting pasta dish that combines the rich flavors of tomato and mozzarella with the satisfying texture of breaded chicken? Look no further! This Tomato Mozzarella Pasta recipe is a perfect blend of tender rigatoni, creamy tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese, topped with crispy chicken slices. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Let’s dive into the recipe and create a meal that’s bursting with flavor and sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

For the Pasta and Chicken:

• 8 oz rigatoni pasta (or any pasta of your choice, such as penne or spaghetti)
• 1 chicken breast, sliced in half
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried chives
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Bread crumbs for coating
• 1 egg, beaten

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3-4 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking the pasta)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano and basil)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Marinate the chicken breast slices with smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried chives, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Coat the marinated chicken slices with bread crumbs, then dip them in the beaten egg, and coat them with bread crumbs again for a crispy finish.

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.

1. Cook the Chicken:

• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breaded chicken slices until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Once cooked, set the chicken aside and keep warm.

1. Make the Tomato Sauce:

• In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
• Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2-3 minutes to deepen the tomato flavor.
• Gradually add the reserved pasta water and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
• Season the sauce with red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce on low heat for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

1. Combine and Serve:

• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
• Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy and well-combined with the pasta.
• Slice the cooked chicken and arrange it on top of the pasta.

1. Garnish and Enjoy:

• Serve the Tomato Mozzarella Pasta hot, garnished with additional red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious and comforting pasta dish!

This recipe combines tender, flavorful chicken with a creamy tomato sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese, creating a satisfying and delightful meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!