Chicken Caprese Pasta is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings together the best of Italian cuisine. Imagine juicy, golden-seared chicken, fresh cherry tomatoes bursting with sweetness, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and drizzled with a balsamic glaze. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly simple to make at home.
The beauty of this dish lies in its fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil—commonly known as Caprese—creates a light yet satisfying taste. By adding tender chicken and al dente pasta, you elevate it to a hearty, wholesome meal that’s both comforting and nutritious. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this Chicken Caprese Pasta is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Caprese Pasta
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Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
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Fresh & Flavorful: Uses simple, wholesome ingredients that create a bright and refreshing taste.
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Perfectly Balanced: Creamy mozzarella, tangy balsamic, and juicy tomatoes create an ideal flavor contrast.
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Great for Meal Prep: Stays fresh in the fridge and reheats beautifully.
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Customizable: Swap pasta types, adjust seasonings, or add extra veggies to suit your preference.
Preparation Time and Yield
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Servings: 4
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 450
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Carbohydrates: 50g
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Protein: 38g
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Fat: 12g
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Fiber: 4g
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Sugar: 6g
Ingredients for Chicken Caprese Pasta
For the Chicken:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon dried oregano
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1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Pasta:
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8 ounces penne or spaghetti
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2 teaspoons salt (for boiling water)
For the Caprese Mixture:
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1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon minced garlic
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon dried basil (or ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped)
For the Toppings:
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1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (or diced mozzarella)
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¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
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2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Caprese Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Transfer to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
Step 4: Sauté the Tomatoes
In the same skillet, add olive oil, minced garlic, and cherry tomatoes. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried basil. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes. Toss to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed. Stir in the sliced chicken.
Step 6: Add Mozzarella & Basil
Remove from heat and gently fold in the fresh mozzarella balls and basil.
Step 7: Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze & Serve
Plate the pasta and drizzle with balsamic glaze for the final touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Ingredient Background
Tomatoes – The Star of Caprese
Cherry tomatoes are the perfect choice for this dish because they bring a natural sweetness and juicy texture. When sautéed, they release their juices, creating a light and flavorful sauce. If you want a slightly deeper flavor, you can use grape tomatoes or even Roma tomatoes, chopped into small pieces.
Mozzarella – The Creamy Element
Fresh mozzarella is the signature ingredient of any Caprese dish. The mozzarella pearls or balls work best in this recipe because they melt slightly when tossed into the warm pasta, creating a creamy contrast. If you prefer a sharper cheese, shredded Parmesan or feta can be used for a different twist.
Balsamic Glaze – The Perfect Finishing Touch
Balsamic glaze is a thickened, slightly sweet reduction of balsamic vinegar. It adds depth and a rich, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the mozzarella. If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can reduce regular balsamic vinegar with a bit of honey or brown sugar for a similar effect.
Technique Tips for Chicken Caprese Pasta
1. How to Achieve Juicy, Flavorful Chicken
The key to getting perfectly juicy chicken is to cook it on medium-high heat, searing each side for about 5-6 minutes without moving it too much. This creates a golden crust while keeping the inside tender. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking—this helps redistribute the juices and prevents dryness.
2. Cooking Pasta Like a Pro
Always cook pasta in well-salted water to enhance its flavor. The rule of thumb is about 1-2 teaspoons of salt per quart of water. Also, reserving pasta water before draining helps create a silky sauce when added back to the pan.
3. Getting the Right Tomato Texture
If you want a light, fresh tomato flavor, sauté them just until they soften slightly. For a deeper, more caramelized taste, let them cook for 6-7 minutes until they start to break down. You can even roast them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes for an intensified sweetness.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
1. Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad
For a cold pasta version, use rotini or penne, and let the pasta cool before tossing it with grilled chicken, tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, and balsamic dressing.
2. Chicken Caprese Stuffed Peppers
Instead of pasta, stuff bell peppers with the Caprese mixture and bake them for 20 minutes at 375°F (190°C) for a low-carb alternative.
3. Baked Chicken Caprese Pasta
For a casserole-style dish, transfer everything to a baking dish, top with extra mozzarella, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until bubbly.
Freezing and Storing Chicken Caprese Pasta
1. Refrigerating Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it even better the next day!
2. Freezing for Later
Since fresh mozzarella doesn’t freeze well, it’s best to freeze the pasta and chicken separately. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and add fresh mozzarella when reheating.
3. Reheating Tips
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or olive oil to restore moisture. Microwave reheating works too, but stirring halfway through ensures even heating.
Healthier Twist Ideas
1. Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta
Swap regular pasta with whole wheat, chickpea, or lentil-based pasta for extra fiber and protein.
2. Grilled Chicken Instead of Pan-Fried
Grilling the chicken instead of pan-frying reduces the amount of oil while adding a smoky flavor.
3. Add More Veggies
Enhance the dish by adding zucchini, spinach, or roasted bell peppers for extra nutrients.
Serving Suggestions for Events
1. Family Dinner Night
Serve Chicken Caprese Pasta with garlic bread and a Caesar salad for a comforting meal.
2. Date Night Dish
Pair with a side of roasted asparagus and a light vinaigrette salad for an elegant presentation.
3. Summer BBQ Side
Make a cold pasta salad version and serve it alongside grilled meats for a refreshing summer dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! If you prefer, try shredded Parmesan, goat cheese, or feta for a different flavor twist.
2. What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?
Penne, fusilli, and spaghetti work great because they hold the sauce and toppings well.
3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap out mozzarella for dairy-free cheese or simply omit it.
4. How can I make it vegetarian?
Skip the chicken and add grilled eggplant or mushrooms for a delicious meat-free version.
5. Is there a way to make it spicy?
Yes! Add red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili to the tomatoes for extra heat.
6. Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is best, but dried basil works too—use 1 teaspoon dried for every tablespoon of fresh.
7. What’s the difference between balsamic glaze and balsamic vinegar?
Balsamic glaze is a thickened, reduced version of balsamic vinegar with a sweeter taste.
8. Can I meal prep this dish?
Yes! Make everything ahead and store it in portions for easy lunches or dinners.
9. What can I serve with Chicken Caprese Pasta?
Try garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
10. Can I cook the chicken in the oven?
Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Conclusion
Chicken Caprese Pasta is a perfect fusion of freshness and comfort, bringing together juicy chicken, sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil in a simple yet elegant dish. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or prepping for a gathering, this recipe delivers flavor, texture, and satisfaction.
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility—you can adjust ingredients, add extra veggies, or swap pasta types to fit your taste and dietary needs. Plus, with easy storage options, it’s a fantastic meal-prep choice.
Print
Chicken Caprese Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces penne or spaghetti
- 2 teaspoons salt (for boiling water)
For the Caprese Mixture:
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped)
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (or diced mozzarella)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Transfer to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
In the same skillet, add olive oil, minced garlic, and cherry tomatoes. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried basil. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes. Toss to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed. Stir in the sliced chicken.
Remove from heat and gently fold in the fresh mozzarella balls and basil.
Plate the pasta and drizzle with balsamic glaze for the final touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
Welcome to Cozy dishes! I’m Louise, and this is your warm, welcoming kitchen corner filled with feel-good recipes that bring comfort to everyday moments. Whether you’re making a simple dinner or baking something sweet, you’ll find cozy, approachable dishes made with heart.
