Description
A fresh and flavorful chicken pasta dish inspired by Caprese flavors, combining tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, basil, and creamy mozzarella in a light olive oil and garlic sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz/340 g), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chiffonade
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook until tomatoes begin to soften and release juice, about 3–4 minutes.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss with tomato mixture.
- Add cooked pasta and mozzarella to skillet. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a light sauce.
- Stir in fresh basil and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar if desired and sprinkle with grated Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute grilled or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Heirloom or plum tomatoes work well instead of cherry tomatoes.
- To make it lighter, omit Parmesan or use a reduced-fat version.
- For a creamier sauce, add 2 tbsp heavy cream or a splash of half‑and‑half when combining pasta.