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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 dish combining juicy chicken breasts, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce. Infused with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil, this recipe balances bright Caprese flavors with indulgent creaminess for a perfect weeknight meal or elegant dinner to impress guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless chicken breasts, pounded evenly

Pasta

  • 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta (or gluten-free alternative)

Fresh Ingredients

  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into pieces
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves

Tomato Sauce Base

  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (or dairy-free substitute)

Oils and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the boneless chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet, let rest, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne or rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
  3. Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce: In the same skillet, add a little olive oil if necessary and sauté finely chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and simmer for 5-7 minutes. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to create a smooth, velvety sauce.
  4. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce. Toss well to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with reserved pasta water until it reaches desired consistency.
  5. Add Fresh Caprese Ingredients: Turn off the heat and fold in halved cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and torn fresh mozzarella pieces. The residual heat will gently melt the cheese and enhance the Caprese flavors.

Notes

  • Pound chicken breasts evenly for uniform cooking and juiciness.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce texture and help it cling to the pasta.
  • Add fresh basil at the end to preserve its bright flavor and vibrant color.
  • Use fresh mozzarella for the creamiest melt and authentic Caprese taste.
  • Do not overcook pasta; keep it slightly firm as it will finish cooking when combined with sauce and chicken.
  • For dairy-free versions, use coconut or cashew cream and dairy-free mozzarella.
  • To make it spicier, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing garlic.
  • Substitute chicken with mushrooms or grilled eggplant for a vegetarian option.
  • Use gluten-free pasta for gluten sensitivities without sacrificing texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese chicken pasta, creamy tomato sauce, Italian pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten-free pasta, creamy pasta, fresh mozzarella, basil pasta

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