Description
Chicken Caprese Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender baked chicken, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil with perfectly cooked spaghetti. This Italian-inspired recipe offers a delightful medley of textures and tastes, finished with a balsamic glaze and parmesan garnish, making it an easy yet impressive weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein and Pasta
- 1 Pound spaghetti
- 2 Pounds chicken (tenderloins or breast), cut into 1-inch pieces
Vegetables and Cheese
- 2 Pints cherry tomatoes
- 1 Cup bocconcini (fresh mozzarella balls)
- ½ Cup fresh basil leaves (divided)
Seasonings and Dressings
- ¼ Cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ Cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 5 Cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Teaspoon cracked peppercorns
Other
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (for garnish)
- Nonstick cooking spray (for greasing baking sheet)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the chicken Caprese mixture.
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken tenderloins or breasts into 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and easy serving.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cut chicken pieces, mozzarella balls, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and cracked peppercorns. Gently toss to coat everything evenly. Next, add the cherry tomatoes and half of the fresh basil leaves, and mix again carefully.
- Prepare baking sheet: Lightly spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spread the chicken Caprese mixture evenly over the sheet, making sure the mozzarella balls are spaced out so they do not melt into each other during baking.
- Bake the chicken mixture: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Cook the spaghetti: While the chicken bakes, prepare the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and keep warm until ready to combine.
- Combine pasta and chicken mixture: After baking, pour the roasted chicken, tomatoes, and melted mozzarella mixture over the cooked spaghetti. Stir gently to combine all elements evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Finish by garnishing with the remaining fresh basil leaves and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure to space out the mozzarella balls on the baking sheet to prevent them from melting into one another.
- Use fresh basil for the best aromatic flavor and freshness in the dish.
- You can substitute bocconcini with fresh mozzarella if bocconcini is unavailable.
- For a lighter option, use whole wheat spaghetti or spiralized veggies instead of traditional pasta.
- Leftover Chicken Caprese Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
