Delicious Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce: Quick Recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Trust me, this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy! This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is all about simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create a flavor explosion.

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: You can grab these at Target/Walmart while doing your regular grocery run. I prefer chicken breasts, but chicken thighs work, too.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Extra virgin is my go-to, but whatever you have on hand works great.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is best, but the pre-minced stuff is a lifesaver on busy nights.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: Don’t skimp on this! It’s what makes the sauce so creamy and decadent. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version, but the flavor won’t be quite as rich.
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped: Fresh is key here! It makes all the difference in the flavor of this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce. If you are in a pinch, you can use 1 tablespoon of dried basil.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a lovely salty, nutty flavor to the sauce.
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce just isn’t the same without the melty mozzarella!
• Salt and pepper to taste: Season generously!
• Optional: Red pepper flakes: For a little kick! My husband likes a little heat, so I usually add a pinch.

Mom-Tested Ingredient Swaps

No worries if you don’t have fresh basil – I use basil paste all the time in my Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce. It’s a great way to keep that basil flavor going when you’re low on supplies!

Budget-Friendly Alternatives

This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce doesn’t have to break the bank. You can use less expensive cuts of chicken or buy the mozzarella in bulk and shred it yourself.

Storage Wisdom

Leftover Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, kitchen warriors, let’s get cooking! This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is so easy, you’ll be amazed. Don’t worry if your kitchen is a disaster zone – mine usually is!

1. Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy! A little extra seasoning goes a long way. This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is so good, even picky eaters will want to eat it up.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Here’s where I used to mess up my Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce – don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook the chicken in batches if needed.
3. Sauté the Garlic: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Don’t burn it! Burnt garlic is NOT a good flavor.
4. Make the Basil Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and stir in the fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Your Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce should smell amazing by now!
5. Add the Chicken and Mozzarella: Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
6. Melt the Cheese: Cover the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly. Perfect time to fold that laundry pile!
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and watch your family devour it!

In my chaotic kitchen, this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. While your Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee! This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is perfect for any night of the week. Don’t panic if your Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce looks a little runny at first. It will thicken up as it cools.

How We Love to Eat This!

Okay, so you’ve made this amazing Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce, now what? Well, here’s how we devour it in our house! This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is so versatile!

The kids devour this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce when I serve it with pasta. Any kind works, but my kids especially love penne or rotini. For a lower-carb option, you can serve it with zucchini noodles. A simple side salad adds a little freshness to the meal. I like to make a quick vinaigrette with olive oil, vinegar, and a little Dijon mustard.

This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when everyone is running in different directions. It’s also great for a casual weekend get-together with friends. You can even serve it over rice or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal. This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce reminds me of another family favorite, my Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken.

I like to garnish it with a little extra fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. If you want to get fancy, you can add a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Leftover Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is fantastic the next day for lunch. I love to put it in a wrap with some lettuce and tomato.

During the summer, I like to grill the chicken instead of cooking it in the skillet. It adds a smoky flavor that’s delicious. My friend loves to add a little sun-dried tomato to hers. Check out this easy chicken tortellini pasta bake recipe from Diary of a Recipe Collector!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Alright, mamas, let’s tackle those burning questions you have about this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce. I’ve been there, done that, and made all the mistakes, so you don’t have to!

Can my picky eater handle this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce?

Honestly, it depends on your picky eater. But the creamy sauce and mild flavors are usually a hit. Start with a small portion and let them try it. You can also serve it with something they already love, like pasta or rice.

What if I burn my Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)

Been there! If you burn the garlic, start over. Trust me, burnt garlic will ruin the whole dish. If you just slightly overcook the chicken, it’s probably still salvageable. Just don’t overcook it to the point where it’s dry and rubbery.

Can I make this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce ahead for meal prep?

Yes, absolutely! This is a great meal prep option. Just cook the chicken and sauce separately, then combine them when you’re ready to eat. You can also store the leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

Half-and-half will work in a pinch, but the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. You can also use cream cheese, but you’ll need to thin it out with a little milk.

Can I use frozen basil?

Fresh basil is best, but frozen basil is a decent substitute. Just be sure to thaw it completely before using it.

Can I add vegetables to this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce?

Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes are all great additions.

My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?

Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the sauce. Simmer for a few minutes until thickened.

Is this Creamy Chicken with Basil and Mozzarella gluten free?

It is, as long as you serve it with gluten-free pasta or rice.

Final Thoughts:

This Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce is special to my family because it’s a simple, delicious meal that everyone enjoys. It’s also a reminder that even on the busiest nights, we can still come together and share a home-cooked meal. It’s a great way to add some spice to your dinner, similar to this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce found on Facebook!

My Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Mom Hacks:

• Prep ahead: Chop the basil and garlic in advance to save time.
• Use rotisserie chicken: For an even faster meal, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
• Double the recipe: Make extra and freeze it for a future meal.

Family-Tested Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Variations:

• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu.
• Sun-dried tomato: Add 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce.

My son loves the spicy version, while my daughter prefers the sun-dried tomato version. I encourage you to experiment and find what your family loves best! Just check out this recipe for Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce by Yeyfood, for another family’s favorite meal!

I hope you enjoy this Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce as much as my family does. It’s a simple, delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own! Now, go forth and conquer that dinner dilemma, fellow kitchen warriors! You got this! This chicken and spinach casserole is another family favorite to try!

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