Caprese Chicken Pasta
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
8 mins
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Total Time
13 mins
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Servings
4 people
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Caprese Chicken Pasta
Description
Caprese Chicken Pasta brings together cherry tomatoes that are blistered in a skillet to release their juices and soften. These tomatoes are then combined with olive oil and a balsamic reduction, which adds acidity and slight sweetness. The cooked rotini pasta and pre-cooked cubed chicken are tossed in this tomato mixture along with roughly chopped fresh basil. Fresh mozzarella balls placed on top melt slightly under a lid, imparting a creamy texture to the dish.
The dish balances fresh and cooked elements, combining juicy tomatoes with tender chicken and cheese. Minimal seasoning with salt and pepper highlights the natural flavors, while the balsamic reduction ties the components together. This is a quick assembly meal that benefits from the pre-cooked chicken and ready pasta.
This pasta works well as a light lunch or dinner and can be customized with additional seasoning, protein options, or spice as mentioned in the notes, making it adaptable for various palates.
The recipe suggests optional additions such as garlic or Italian seasoning to enhance flavor, or chili flakes for heat. It can be made vegetarian by omitting chicken or replaced with a different protein for variety.
Ingredients
- 10 oz. cherry tomato
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1/3 cup Balsamic reduction divided
- 2 packages rotini pasta Barilla® Ready Brand
- 1 cup chicken cooked, cubed; rotisserie chicken used for convenience
- 1/3 cup basil fresh, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese fresh, balls
- pinch salt to taste
- pinch black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Blister the tomatoes: Toss cherry tomatoes in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally.
- After about 5-6 minutes, the skins will begin to blister. Turn the heat down and add in 1 Tbsp. olive oil and 1 Tbsp. balsamic reduction. Stir carefully to avoid splatter.
- Using the back of a spoon, gently press down on the tomatoes to release some of their juices.
- Add in the Barilla® Ready Pasta Rotini, chicken and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Stir. (This doesn't take long, just toss into the pan for approximately 15 seconds)
- Add the mozzarella balls on top. Cover with a lid to melt the cheese slightly. (1-2 minutes)
- Drizzle with remaining balsamic reduction and garnish with more basil, as desired. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- You can add garlic, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes to the tomatoes for extra flavor and spice.
- Substitute chicken with other proteins or omit it for a vegetarian version.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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