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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 tender chicken breasts, fresh mozzarella, ripe diced tomatoes, and fragrant basil in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy-to-make pasta recipe balances rich creaminess with fresh bursts of flavor, perfect for a weeknight dinner or serving guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Dairy

  • 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 4 oz fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces
  • Parmesan cheese, grated, for garnish (optional)

Produce

  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn for garnish
  • Additional fresh basil leaves for garnish

Pantry

  • 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving half a cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing.
  3. Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices and stir. Then, add the cream cheese and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
  5. Add Chicken and Mozzarella: Slice the rested chicken breasts and arrange them over the pasta. Tear fresh mozzarella into pieces and scatter over the top, allowing it to soften and melt slightly from the residual heat. Finish with torn fresh basil leaves for a burst of aroma and color.

Notes

  • Use room temperature cream cheese for easier blending and a smooth sauce.
  • Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy; rest before slicing.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
  • Add fresh mozzarella at the end to maintain gooey texture.
  • Garnish with fresh basil just before serving to preserve color and aroma.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese, Chicken Pasta, Creamy Tomato Sauce, Italian, Weeknight Dinner, Comfort Food, Basil, Mozzarella, Easy Pasta

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