Print

Quick Creamy Caprese Chicken Pasta

quick creamy caprese chicken pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy 30-minute dinner combining creamy sauce, tender chicken, fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil for a comforting yet fresh pasta dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
  • 8 ounces penne or your favorite short pasta (gluten-free pasta works well too)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml) or half-and-half for a lighter sauce
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes, optional pinch

Instructions

  1. Slice 2 boneless chicken breasts into thin strips and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces penne and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 9-11 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add chicken strips and cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and stir well, scraping browned bits from the pan.
  5. Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Return chicken to the skillet along with drained pasta. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if sauce seems too thick. Stir to coat everything evenly.
  7. Fold in 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. Stir until mozzarella starts melting and sauce becomes creamy, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and gently mix in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil.
  8. Spoon pasta onto plates, adding extra basil or Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use thinly sliced chicken for quick cooking and tenderness. Keep garlic moving in the pan to avoid burning. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Melt mozzarella gently off heat or on low to avoid rubbery texture. Add fresh basil at the end for brightness. Variations include vegetarian, low-carb, dairy-free, and spicy adaptations.

Nutrition

Keywords: quick dinner, creamy pasta, Caprese chicken, easy weeknight meal, chicken pasta, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil

Find it online: https://tinastirs.com/quick-creamy-caprese-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-30-minute-dinner-idea/