Creamy Chicken Caprese Pasta
A delightful Italian-inspired pasta dish combining tender chicken, mozzarella, fresh basil, and cherry tomatoes in a creamy sauce.
Equipment
- 1 large skillet for cooking chicken and sauce
- 1 large pot for boiling pasta
- 1 mixing bowl for combining ingredients
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
- 12 oz pasta of choice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
Creamy Sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Boil pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cooking the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, reduce heat, and add parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Return sliced chicken to the skillet, add cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls. Stir gently until everything is heated through and cheese starts to melt.
Serving
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat with sauce. Tear fresh basil leaves and add to the pasta. Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan and basil.
Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving to maintain creaminess.
Notes
Pro Tips: Use fresh mozzarella for the best melting and flavor. Adjust seasonings to your taste.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce. Try gluten-free pasta if needed.
How to Serve: Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Storage & Freshness: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly to maintain sauce texture.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare ingredients in advance to save time on cooking day.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce. Try gluten-free pasta if needed.
How to Serve: Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Storage & Freshness: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly to maintain sauce texture.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare ingredients in advance to save time on cooking day.