Smoked Mozzarella Chicken Recipe With Penne for Thanksgiving

As the golden hues of fall enveloped our surroundings, I felt an urge to introduce a twist to our traditional Thanksgiving spread. Instead of the usual, I envisioned a dish that harmoniously married the comforting warmth of an Italian kitchen with the smokey undertones of autumn. 

This is how the Smoked Mozzarella Chicken with Penne was born – a dish that’s as much a treat for the eyes as it is a treat for your taste buds.

The gentle smokiness of the mozzarella, easily melds with the tangy marinara and chicken, all nestled within perfectly al dente penne, promises to be a showstopper at your Thanksgiving table. 

How to Make Smoked Mozzarella Chicken Recipe

Yes, this recipe is just as delicious as it sounds – a great way to impress loved ones!

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 fresh garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought is fine, want to make it yourself? Scroll down!)
• 1 cup smoked mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Alternative Ingredients:

• Chicken – boneless chicken thighs (juicier result), chicken tenders, chicken cutlets
• Smoked mozzarella – Regular mozzarella with a drop of liquid smoke or smoked gouda can be a substitute.
• Penne – Rigatoni or fusilli
• Vegetables – Red bell pepper
• Herbs – Flat leaf parsley, onion powder

 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

Tip: I like taking a big zip lock bag, cutting up the chicken, and putting it into the bag with all the herbs to make seasoning easier – if you have, use reusable bags for the environment. 

Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat, then add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides and cook through.

Step 3: Remove and place chicken breasts aside to rest.

Step 4: In the same skillet, add garlic cloves and sauté for a minute, then add cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to soften – this will all let the flavors be more incense.

Step 5: Add the marinara sauce and bring it to a simmer by turning it down to low heat – if you’re looking for a homemade marinara recipe, scroll down!

Step 6: While the sauce simmers, heat water and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, once done drain and set aside while you continue with the chicken.

Step 7: Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips and add them back to the skillet with the sauce – skip the cutting if you’ve already done it at the beginning.

Step 8: Add smoked mozzarella and half of the fresh basil, stirring until the cheese is melted and the chicken is heated through – the smell will be absolutely amazing at this point. 

Step 9: Lastly, combine pasta and chicken in the skillet, mixing well with the sauce and chicken.

That’s it! Serve hot and garnished with the remaining fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese – consider also garnishing with fresh parsley instead!

This will be a hit at any thanksgiving gathering, promise!

Note: Cooking time is Between 40 minutes and 3 hours depending on how long you marinate.

How to Make Homemade Marinara Sauce

Don’t want store-bought? No worries, I’m not a big fan either!

Here’s my favorite recipe for homemade marinara sauce:

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28 oz.) can of whole tomatoes, with juice or 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 small bunch of fresh basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little olive oil over medium heat, then add the chopped onion and sauté until they’re translucent for about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 2-3 minutes – but be careful not to burn them. 

Now, add the whole tomatoes to the pot, breaking them up with a spoon or your hands 

Tip: If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use crushed tomatoes or pulse your whole tomatoes in a blender or food processor before adding them.

Next, add the bay leaf, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot and season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and sugar, before reducing heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes – stirring occasionally. 

Tip: The longer you let it simmer, the more developed the flavors will be – it will be amazing!

Final Touches: Remove the bay leaf and any large basil stems and adjust the seasoning if needed. Lastly, store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If you need to store it for longer, the sauce also freezes well and can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Expert Tips

Here are some tips to make it both better and easier for you to make this delicious dish!

• Proper Chicken Cooking – For a perfectly cooked chicken breast, sear it on high heat for a brief moment on each side. Then, reduce the heat and let it cook thoroughly. This locks in the juices and ensures a tender, moist chicken.
• Pasta Cooking – Always cook your pasta in salted water – it should taste like the sea. This ensures that the pasta is flavorful. 
• Sauce Thickness – If you feel your sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water or chicken broth to thin it out to your desired consistency.
• Fresh Herbs – Always use fresh basil for garnishing (it provides an aromatic, fresh contrast to the smoky and rich flavors of the dish).
• Tasting as You Go – Continuously taste your sauce as you’re cooking and adjust the seasonings as needed. Remember, you can always add more salt or spices, but it’s harder to correct an overly salty dish (we’ve all been there)

What to Pair This Dish With

Here are some suggestions to make this into a multi-course meal!

Salads

• Arugula and Pear Salad
• Classic Caesar Salad

Vegetable Sides

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Grilled Asparagus
• Garlic Green Beans

Breads

• Garlic Bread
• Rosemary Focaccia

Wines

• Red wine – A medium-bodied red like Chianti or Barbera
• White wine – A full-bodied white like Chardonnay or Viognier.

Desserts

• Tiramisu
• Panna Cotta
• Affogato

Any of these are fantastic additions to this recipe!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Got questions? We’ve got the expert answers for you!

Can I use regular mozzarella instead of smoked mozzarella in the recipe?

Yes! You can use regular fresh mozzarella, however, smoked mozzarella gives the dish its distinctive smoky flavor.

How can I store leftovers of the Smoked Mozzarella Chicken and Penne dish?

Got leftovers for people to take home? Great! Store any leftover chicken and penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days – just use the microwave or oven to reheat it.

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