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Caprese Chicken Pasta

Caprese Chicken Pasta
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Caprese Chicken Pasta is a vibrant and delicious dish that combines tender chicken, fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, creamy mozzarella, and pasta for a perfect balance of fresh and comforting flavors. Quick and easy to make, this recipe is great for weeknight dinners or casual meals with friends, delivering a wholesome and colorful meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 chicken breasts or thighs (about 1 lb)

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy

  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into pieces

Pasta & Pantry

  • 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1-2 tablespoons balsamic glaze or vinegar

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Season the Chicken: Season chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and let rest before slicing.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for later.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet used for chicken, add a splash of olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until softened and juicy.
  4. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Fresh Ingredients: Add the drained pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet with tomatoes. Gently toss together. If the mixture seems dry, gradually stir in reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
  5. Add Mozzarella and Basil: Remove skillet from heat and fold in torn fresh mozzarella and chopped basil leaves. The residual heat will soften the cheese slightly, creating creamy pockets throughout the pasta.
  6. Final Touches: Drizzle with extra olive oil and, if desired, balsamic glaze for a tangy finish. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked pepper as needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best natural sweetness and juiciness.
  • Do not overcook chicken; cook until no longer pink inside to keep it juicy.
  • Reserve some pasta water to create a silky, cohesive sauce.
  • Add mozzarella at the end to keep its creamy texture without melting completely.
  • Use high-quality olive oil to enhance flavor and richness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese, Chicken, Pasta, Italian, Fresh, Easy, Weeknight Dinner, Mozzarella, Basil, Tomatoes

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/caprese-chicken-pasta/