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Caprese Chicken Pasta - Fresh, Flavorful, and Weeknight-Friendly

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle)
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for gentle heat)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or pasta water)
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls (or diced fresh mozzarella)
  • 1 packed cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnish: extra basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and a splash of balsamic glaze

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
  2. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry. Season with 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and the dried oregano.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook, undisturbed, until golden on one side, 3–4 minutes. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes, until just cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook 30–45 seconds, just until fragrant.
  5. Build the sauce: Add tomatoes and a big pinch of salt. Cook, stirring, until tomatoes soften and release juices, 3–5 minutes. Pour in chicken broth and balsamic vinegar. Simmer 2–3 minutes to slightly reduce.
  6. Combine: Return chicken and any juices to the pan. Add drained pasta and Parmesan. Toss, adding a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to loosen and gloss the sauce.
  7. Finish fresh: Remove from heat. Gently fold in mozzarella and torn basil. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. The mozzarella should soften but not fully melt.
  8. Serve: Plate with extra Parmesan, a drizzle of good olive oil, and, if you like, a light zigzag of balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.