Easy Chicken Caprese Pasta
Easy Chicken Caprese Pasta is made with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, tender chicken, and creamy mozzarella. Tossed with a zesty balsamic glaze, this simple pasta dish is ready in just 30 minutes!
Chicken Caprese Pasta
There’s just something about summer and caprese flavors that go so well together. If you remember this caprese grilled cheese from a while back, it just hits the spot.
Juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil make the best combination. And when you add in balsamic vinegar and cooked pasta, it’s a match made in food heaven.
This caprese pasta recipe is a favorite for so many reasons. It’s easy to make, ready in 30 minutes, filled with fresh flavors, and makes the most delicious leftovers. If you’re looking for the tastiest weeknight dinner, this is it.
And just incase you’re on the hunt for more great recipes like this, you’ll adore this baked caprese chicken, chicken caprese quesadillas, caprese bites, and caprese salad.
But, back to this easy caprese pasta. Everything is made in practically one pan (besides the pasta) and comes together in minutes. The sauce is tangy and complements the balsamic chicken, while the seasonings add the perfect touch. And while I prefer eating this pasta hot, you can eat it cold if you’re on-the-go.
Recipe Ingredients in Easy Chicken Caprese Pasta:
- Olive oil
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper
- Pasta: any shape
- Cherry tomatoes
- Italian seasoning
- Minced garlic
- Balsamic vinegar
- Fresh basil
- Mozzarella pearls
How to Make Creamy Chicken Caprese Pasta:
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In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Sprinkle both sides of chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Once the skillet is hot, add chicken and cook until browned and temperature reaches 165℉. Remove chicken to a separate plate and rest for 5-10 minutes. Then cut into bite-sized pieces.
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While chicken is cooking, cook pasta until al dente. Drain and toss with some olive oil to prevent the pasta from sticking. Set aside.
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Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet, along with the fresh tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning and cook over low heat until tomatoes start to wilt. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
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Add chicken, pasta, balsamic vinegar, and remaining tablespoon of olive oil to skillet. Stir well to combine and heat until chicken and pasta are warmed through. Remove heat and stir in basil and fresh mozzarella cheese. Add more seasonings, if needed.
What Goes with Caprese Chicken?
I love to serve this dish with this air fryer cheesy garlic bread, parmesan green beans, garlic lemon broccoli, or a simple green salad.
Tips for Making Caprese Pasta with Chicken:
- To save time: use rotisserie chicken from the grocery store or buy the already-shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
- Melty cheese: just before serving, broil the pasta or bake for several until the mozzarella balls start to melt.
- Meal prep: You can cook the chicken up to one day ahead of time and assemble the rest of the pasta when ready to serve.
Variations:
- If you’re out of balsamic vinegar: white balsamic vinegar works just as well.
- You can cook the pasta right in the skillet using chicken broth to save on dishes.
- If you want to make this pasta creamy: add about 1/4-1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream just before removing the dish from heat and serving.
- Add some veggies: spinach, asparagus, or zucchini would make a delicious addition.
- Want a stronger balsamic flavor? Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving.
How to Store Leftovers:
Pasta will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can freeze pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When ready to serve, let thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Looking for More Pasta Recipes? I’ve Got You Covered!
- One Pot Meatball Stroganoff
- Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
- Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce
- Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
- One Pot BBQ Chicken Pasta
- Creamy Mac and Cheese
Easy Chicken Caprese Pasta
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, (divided)
- 2 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, (to taste)
- 10 ounces dry pasta, (any shape)
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup fresh basil, (sliced into thin strips)
- ½ cup mozzarella balls
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Sprinkle both sides of chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Once the skillet is hot, add chicken and cook until browned and temperature reaches 165℉. Remove chicken to a separate plate and rest for 5-10 minutes. Then cut into bite-sized pieces.
- While chicken is cooking, cook pasta until al dente. Drain and toss with some olive oil to prevent the pasta from sticking. Set aside.
- Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet, along with tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning and cook over low heat until tomatoes start to wilt. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add chicken, pasta, balsamic vinegar, and remaining tablespoon of olive oil to skillet. Stir well to combine and heat until chicken and pasta are warmed through. Remove heat and stir in basil and mozzarella balls. Add more seasonings, if needed.
Notes
- Pasta will keep in an airtight container for up to four days.
- Pasta will keep in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
- See my tips and tricks for making this Chicken Caprese Pasta above the recipe box.
