Name: Spicy Smoky Mozzarella Chicken Alfredo Pasta Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound chicken breast, cubed; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 2 cups chicken broth; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 12 oz rigatoni or penne pasta (uncooked); 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

When I first whipped up this Spicy Smoky Mozzarella Chicken Alfredo Pasta Skillet, I wasn’t expecting it to become such a hit at my dinner table. But after that first forkful — creamy, cheesy, smoky with just the right kick of heat — I knew it was a winner. It’s a dish that hits all the right notes: comfort food with flair, flavor, and just enough fire to keep things interesting.

What makes this skillet special is the combination of textures and flavors. You get juicy bites of seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked pasta soaked in a rich Alfredo sauce, and a blanket of melted mozzarella that pulls beautifully with every scoop. It’s indulgent, yes, but also incredibly easy to pull together on a weeknight. If you’re like me and crave something cozy yet bold, you’re going to fall in love with this dish.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Smoky Mozzarella Chicken Alfredo Pasta Skillet

One-skillet meal: Everything comes together in one pan — fewer dishes, more flavor.
Smoky depth: Smoked paprika and seared chicken add layers of complexity.
Spicy kick: Just enough heat to keep it exciting without overpowering the creamy goodness.
Melted cheese on top: Because everything’s better with a gooey mozzarella finish.
Perfect for sharing: Great for family dinners, potlucks, or impressing guests without too much effort.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for Spicy Smoky Mozzarella Chicken Alfredo Pasta Skillet?

You’ll want a pasta shape that holds sauce well and adds a bit of texture to each bite. I personally love using rigatoni, penne, or rotini for this dish — they’re sturdy enough to soak up that spicy, creamy Alfredo and hold their shape even after baking. Short tubular pasta or anything with ridges is perfect here. Avoid delicate pastas like angel hair or spaghetti; they just don’t carry the sauce the same way and can turn mushy in a skillet.

Options for Substitutions

Whether you’re working with dietary needs or just using what’s in your pantry, this dish is wonderfully flexible.

Chicken: Swap with turkey breast, Italian sausage, or even cooked shrimp for a seafood twist.
Mozzarella: Try provolone, gouda, or a smoky cheddar if you want to mix things up. Just make sure it’s a melty cheese!
Heavy Cream: You can sub half-and-half or a full-fat coconut cream if you’re dairy-free.
Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth works just fine, especially if you’re going meatless.
Pasta: Gluten-free pasta or even whole wheat pasta can be used with little impact on flavor.
Spices: No smoked paprika? Use chipotle powder or a bit of liquid smoke for that rich, charred flavor.

Ingredients for Spicy Smoky Mozzarella Chicken Alfredo Pasta Skillet

Each ingredient in this skillet recipe plays a flavorful role. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Olive oil: Used to sear the chicken and build a base of flavor for the whole dish.
Chicken breast (cubed): The main protein — it’s tender, juicy, and soaks up the smoky, spicy seasoning perfectly.
Salt & black pepper: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
Smoked paprika: This is where that deep, smoky flavor comes in — don’t skip it!
Garlic (minced): Brings an aromatic backbone that lifts the richness of the Alfredo.
Red pepper flakes: Adds heat to contrast the creaminess — adjust to your spice level.
Chicken broth: Helps cook the pasta right in the skillet and adds savory depth.
Heavy cream: Essential for that rich, velvety Alfredo base.
Pasta (like rigatoni or penne): Holds sauce beautifully and gives each bite the perfect chew.
Parmesan cheese (grated): Melts into the sauce to add salty, nutty creaminess.
Mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melted on top to create that irresistible golden cheese layer.
Fresh parsley (optional): For a pop of color and fresh contrast to the richness.

Spicy Smoky Mozzarella Chicken Alfredo Pasta Skillet 1

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add your cubed chicken breast, and season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sear the chicken until golden and nearly cooked through — this adds a rich, smoky flavor base to the dish. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Build the Sauce Base

In the same skillet (don’t clean it — those browned bits are flavor gold), lower the heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add red pepper flakes for that spicy kick, then pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up anything stuck to the bottom.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Cream

Pour in the heavy cream and uncooked pasta. Stir everything together so the pasta is evenly coated in the liquid. Let it come to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Stir in Cheese and Chicken

Lower the heat, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes thick and creamy. Add your seared chicken back into the skillet and mix everything so the chicken is nestled into the cheesy pasta.

Step 5: Top with Mozzarella and Broil

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly across the top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil for 3–5 minutes — just long enough to get that bubbly, golden cheese crust. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Remove the skillet from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness if you like.

How Long to Cook Spicy Smoky Mozzarella Chicken Alfredo Pasta Skillet

From start to finish, this dish takes about 30–35 minutes:

Searing the chicken: ~6 minutes
Building the sauce and cooking pasta: ~12–15 minutes
Melting and broiling the cheese: ~5 minutes
Resting before serving: ~3 minutes

It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but satisfying enough for a weekend indulgence. The key is managing the pasta simmering stage — you want it cooked through, but still slightly firm (al dente) before you add the cheese.

Tips for Perfect Spicy Smoky Mozzarella Chicken Alfredo Pasta Skillet

Use an oven-safe skillet: This saves time and helps build depth of flavor without transferring between dishes.
Don’t overcook the pasta: It will continue to soften slightly under the broiler. Pull it off the heat when it’s just tender.
Let the chicken rest before adding it back: This keeps it juicy and helps avoid overcooking.
Adjust the heat: If you like it spicier, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne. For a milder version, scale it back or omit.
Layer the cheese: Don’t mix in the mozzarella — let it melt on top so you get that irresistible cheesy crust.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts smoother and gives a richer flavor than pre-grated versions.
Broil with attention: Keep your eye on the oven — cheese can go from bubbly to burnt in seconds.
Garnish last-minute: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a twist of black pepper right before serving adds freshness and contrast.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple one-skillet pasta can have a few pitfalls. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Overcrowding the chicken: Give the chicken space to sear properly. If it’s too packed in the pan, it’ll steam instead of brown.
Skipping the deglazing step: The browned bits at the bottom of the pan add incredible depth to your sauce — don’t waste them.
Adding cheese too early: If you stir in mozzarella before broiling, it’ll disappear into the sauce instead of forming that gorgeous melted top layer.
Overcooking pasta: Remember, it’ll soften a bit more as it sits in the sauce. Undercook it slightly in the skillet for the perfect texture.
Using pre-shredded cheese: It often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly shredded is worth the extra minute.
Broiling too long: Watch carefully — cheese burns fast once it starts bubbling.
Too much liquid: If the sauce seems too runny before adding cheese, let it simmer uncovered for a minute or two.
Forgetting to taste: Adjust your seasoning before serving — sometimes a pinch of salt or extra spice takes it from good to great.

What to Serve With Spicy Smoky Mozzarella Chicken Alfredo Pasta Skillet?

Garlic Bread

A buttery, crispy slice is perfect for soaking up every drop of that creamy sauce.

Simple Arugula Salad

A peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.

Roasted Broccoli

Its earthy char pairs beautifully with the smoky Alfredo flavors.

A Glass of Chardonnay

A lightly oaked white wine cuts through the cream and complements the mozzarella.

Tomato Basil Bruschetta

Fresh and acidic — this brightens the whole plate and adds textural contrast.

Marinated Olives

A salty bite like olives or antipasto veggies work great as a starter.

Sauteed Green Beans with Garlic

Lightly crisp, garlicky green beans add a refreshing crunch on the side.

Lemon Sorbet (for dessert)

To cleanse your palate after such a bold, cheesy meal, lemon sorbet is a refreshing way to end.

Storage Instructions

One of the best things about this Spicy Smoky Mozzarella Chicken Alfredo Pasta Skillet? It makes fantastic leftovers — if you manage to have any.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen up the sauce if it thickens too much.
Freezer: You can freeze it, but just a heads up — the cream-based sauce may separate a little upon thawing. If you do freeze it, pack it in a freezer-safe container and enjoy it within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
Reheating tip: Don’t overheat — it’ll dry out the chicken and scorch the sauce. Keep it low and slow with a little added liquid if needed.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving — based on 6 servings)

These are ballpark figures and can vary depending on ingredient brands and substitutions.

Calories: ~580
Protein: 34g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Sugar: 3g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 740mg
Calcium: 280mg

This dish is definitely rich and filling — perfect for a hearty dinner. You can reduce the fat content by swapping heavy cream with half-and-half or cutting back on the cheese a bit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works great. Just add it in during the final mixing step before topping with mozzarella — no need to sear it.

Is it spicy enough for heat lovers?

It’s got a nice kick, but if you’re into serious heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also mix in some diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prep it up until the broiling step, refrigerate it, and pop it under the broiler just before serving to finish melting the cheese.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

You can sub in regular paprika, but you’ll lose the signature smoky depth. A pinch of chipotle powder or a drop of liquid smoke is a good alternative.

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

Add a bit of extra broth or cream if needed while simmering. Also, don’t overcook it after the cheese is added — that can tighten the sauce too much.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, just use a good-quality gluten-free pasta and double-check that your broth and seasonings are gluten-free too.

What cheese works best besides mozzarella?

Try provolone for extra meltiness, or smoked gouda if you want to lean even more into the smoky flavor profile.

Can I make it vegetarian?

For sure — skip the chicken and add mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or plant-based protein. Use veggie broth instead of chicken broth.

Conclusion

This Spicy Smoky Mozzarella Chicken Alfredo Pasta Skillet is the kind of recipe that satisfies on every level — creamy, cheesy, rich, and just spicy enough to keep you coming back for more. Whether it’s a comforting weeknight dinner or the centerpiece of a casual dinner party, it always delivers.

The smoky chicken, the spicy-silky Alfredo, the golden mozzarella crust — all in one skillet and done in about 30 minutes. It’s bold, cozy, and absolutely crave-worthy. I hope you give it a try and make it your own. Trust me — once you’ve had it, it’s going to be in your regular dinner rotation.