First Step: COOK THE CHICKEN

1. Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. This gives the chicken a flavorful base that will complement the sauce and pasta.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
3. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken tender. After resting, slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized cubes, depending on your preference.

Second Step: COOK THE PASTA

1. Boil the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it reaches al dente perfection.
2. Drain and Reserve Some Pasta Water: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, but be sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. This starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta and adds extra creaminess.

Third Step: MAKE THE SAUCE

1. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet that you used to cook the chicken, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Add the Crushed Tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow the tomatoes to cook for about 5-7 minutes, letting the flavors meld together and the sauce thicken slightly.
3. Add the Cream and Seasoning: Stir in the heavy cream, dried basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for another 5-7 minutes until it becomes creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Fourth Step: COMBINE EVERYTHING

1. Add the Pasta to the Sauce: Once the sauce is ready, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the sauce, making sure every piece is coated with the creamy, flavorful mixture. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches the desired consistency.
2. Add the Chicken: Gently fold the sliced chicken into the pasta, ensuring that it’s evenly distributed and coated with the sauce.
3. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Stir to combine, or, if you prefer a bubbly, golden topping, transfer the pasta to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle the cheese on top, and broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
4. Serve: Once the cheese has melted and the dish is well combined, serve your Chicken Mozzarella Pasta immediately. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor and a burst of color.