Mozzarella Baked Chicken Tagliatelle

Have you ever wondered what happens when creamy, cheesy comfort meets hearty Italian pasta and tender baked chicken?

If you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug on a plate, Mozzarella Baked Chicken Tagliatelle is the answer. This dish combines juicy, oven-baked chicken layered with a rich tomato sauce, melty mozzarella cheese, and silky ribbons of tagliatelle pasta. It’s everything you love about Italian comfort food — easy, cozy, and irresistibly cheesy — without spending hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re cooking for family, a date night in, or just treating yourself to something special, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your table.

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Mozzarella Baked Chicken Tagliatelle is a simple yet impressive dish that blends the best of two worlds — a classic baked chicken casserole and a rich, saucy pasta dinner. The tagliatelle acts as the perfect base to soak up all the flavors from the tomato sauce and melted cheese, while the chicken adds hearty protein to keep it satisfying.

Time Required:

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 30–35 minutes
• Total: About 45–50 minutes

Difficulty Level: Easy
If you can cook pasta and bake chicken, you can make this meal! It’s beginner-friendly and flexible enough to customize with your favorite herbs, veggies, or cheeses.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Mozzarella Baked Chicken Tagliatelle:

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup tomato sauce or passata
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional for a little heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 10 oz tagliatelle pasta (fresh or dried)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Topping:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

• Chicken: You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
• Pasta: Swap tagliatelle for fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti.
• Cheese: Try provolone, fontina, or cheddar for a different flavor.
• Vegetarian version: Substitute the chicken with grilled eggplant or zucchini slices.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta or rice noodles.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
4. Sear the chicken for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown (it doesn’t need to be cooked through yet).
5. Transfer to a plate and set aside — it will finish cooking in the oven later.

Tip: Searing locks in the juices, so your chicken stays tender after baking.

Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce

1. In the same pan, add olive oil and sauté the onions until soft.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, and chili flakes.
4. Simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.
5. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Tip: For a smoother sauce, blend it before adding to the chicken — or leave it chunky for more texture.

Step 3: Cook the Tagliatelle

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add tagliatelle and cook until al dente, according to package directions.
3. Drain and toss with butter and Parmesan cheese.

Tip: Reserve a small cup of pasta water — it’s great for loosening the sauce if it becomes too thick later.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
2. Arrange the seared chicken breasts on top.
3. Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken.
4. Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella and a bit of Parmesan.
5. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Tip: For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end — just keep an eye on it so the cheese doesn’t burn.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Once baked, slice the chicken into thick pieces.
Serve it over the buttered tagliatelle and spoon some of that rich, cheesy tomato sauce on top. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil for a fresh touch.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

To Store:

• Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To Reheat:

• Warm in a covered dish at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or microwave gently with a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist.

Make-Ahead Option:

• Prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time, refrigerate overnight, and bake just before serving for a faster weeknight meal.

Recipe Variations

Here are a few fun twists you can try:

• Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Tagliatelle: Add a splash of heavy cream or mascarpone to the tomato sauce for a luxurious texture.
• Spinach & Tomato Bake: Layer spinach leaves under the chicken for an added veggie boost.
• Pesto Drizzle: Drizzle basil pesto over the baked mozzarella before serving for a fresh herby kick.
• Spicy Kick: Mix a bit of chili oil or hot sauce into the tomato sauce for extra heat.

Health Benefits

• High Protein: Chicken provides lean protein, helping with muscle growth and repair.
• Calcium-Rich: Mozzarella and Parmesan add a good dose of calcium for healthy bones.
• Balanced Meal: The combination of carbs, protein, and healthy fats keeps you full and energized.
• Customizable: You can easily add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to make it even more nutritious.

Presentation Tips

• Use wide, shallow bowls so you can layer the pasta, sauce, and chicken beautifully.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs right before serving for color contrast.
• A drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze on top makes it look restaurant-worthy.

If you’re serving guests, pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for the ultimate Italian-inspired meal.

Conclusion

Mozzarella Baked Chicken Tagliatelle is the kind of meal that brings joy to the table — rich, hearty, and so satisfying. The golden, bubbling cheese and tender pasta make it feel indulgent, while the simple ingredients keep it approachable for everyday cooking.

Try it once, and it might just become your go-to comfort dinner. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or sharing it with loved ones, this dish guarantees smiles all around. So grab your apron, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious homemade masterpiece.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Just skip the searing step and add the cooked chicken directly into the sauce before baking.

2. What kind of mozzarella works best?
Low-moisture, shredded mozzarella melts beautifully without making the dish watery. Fresh mozzarella can work too, but pat it dry first.

3. Can I freeze mozzarella baked chicken tagliatelle?
Yes, you can freeze the baked dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

4. How can I make it lighter?
Use whole wheat pasta, less cheese, and grilled chicken breast for a leaner version.

5. What sides go well with this recipe?
Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad pair perfectly with the creamy tomato base.