Caprese Chicken Pasta combines all the fresh flavors of a classic Caprese salad—tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil—with juicy chicken and tender pasta, creating a satisfying and colorful dish. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a light yet filling dinner, and it comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknight meals. The combination of garlic, olive oil, and balsamic glaze ties the dish together with vibrant, summery flavors.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into small cubes or use mini mozzarella balls
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (or reduction)
- Optional: Red pepper flakes, for heat
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Cook the chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic and tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes, just until the tomatoes soften slightly and release some of their juices.
- Combine pasta and chicken: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the tomatoes and garlic. Stir everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add the mozzarella and basil: Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the fresh mozzarella cubes and torn basil. The mozzarella will soften slightly, adding a creamy texture to the dish.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze: Transfer the pasta to serving plates and drizzle each portion with balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness and acidity.
- Serve: Garnish with extra basil leaves and serve immediately while the mozzarella is still melty.
This Caprese Chicken Pasta is light, fresh, and bursting with summery flavors. It’s perfect for a quick dinner that feels both healthy and indulgent at the same time. Enjoy!
