Garlic Herb Mozzarella Chicken with Creamy Spaghetti Cheddar Cream
Ingredients:
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into thick strips
1 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp dried basil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for finishing)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
12 oz spaghetti pasta
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
½ tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente, reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in heavy cream and milk, whisking until smooth. Reduce heat to low and add cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted into a velvety sauce. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the spaghetti and toss to coat in the creamy cheddar sauce. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to thin.
3. Pat chicken dry and season generously with Italian seasoning, paprika, basil, salt, and pepper.
4. Heat olive oil and 3 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips in a single layer and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. In the last minute, stir in garlic and toss the chicken in garlic butter. Sprinkle mozzarella over the chicken, let it melt slightly for a gooey finish.
5. Serve the creamy spaghetti on one side of the plate and the garlic-herb mozzarella chicken on the other. Spoon extra garlic butter from the skillet over the chicken. Garnish both with fresh parsley.
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
Servings:4
Calories:\~920 per serving