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Caprese Chicken Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce

Caprese Chicken Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce
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Caprese Chicken Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce is a vibrant and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring juicy chicken breasts, tender short pasta, fresh cherry tomatoes, basil, and melty mozzarella all combined in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce. This easy one-pan meal balances fresh flavors and rich textures, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Dairy

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into chunks
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Pantry Staples

  • 8 oz short pasta (penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: balsamic glaze for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Sauté the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside to rest.
  2. Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce: Reduce heat slightly and add minced garlic to the same skillet, sautéing until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften and release their juices. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce thickens slightly and turns a pinkish color.
  3. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Slice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Gently toss to coat everything evenly in the creamy tomato sauce.
  5. Finish with Caprese Ingredients: Turn off the heat, fold in fresh basil leaves and chunks of fresh mozzarella. Cover the skillet and let sit for a few minutes to allow the mozzarella to soften and melt slightly.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Plate the dish, drizzle with balsamic glaze if using, and garnish with extra fresh basil for a bright, flavorful finish.

Notes

  • Use fresh, ripe tomatoes and basil to enhance flavor.
  • Don’t overcook the chicken; resting keeps it juicy and tender.
  • Reserve some pasta water to loosen sauce as needed.
  • Simmer tomatoes gently for deeper flavor without breaking them apart too much.
  • Balance the creaminess to allow the fresh Caprese flavors to shine.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese, chicken pasta, creamy tomato sauce, Italian, one-pot meal, easy dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://eazyum.com/caprese-chicken-pasta-with-creamy-tomato-sauce/