Chicken Pesto Caprese Pasta
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
434 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
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Cuisine
Italian
Chicken Pesto Caprese Pasta
Description
This pasta dish begins by cooking pasta to package instructions and draining it. The warm pasta is tossed immediately with pesto and olive oil to coat thoroughly. Cherry tomatoes and bocconcini cheese add fresh and creamy texture, complementing the herbaceous pesto. Sliced cooked chicken breast is placed atop the pasta for hearty, mild flavor. Finally, a drizzle of balsamic reduction lends a slightly sweet and tangy note, enhancing the Caprese-style ingredients.
Bocconcini, small mozzarella cheeses, provide a soft, moist, mild dairy component that pairs well with the vibrant tomatoes and rich pesto. The balsamic reduction, which can be store-bought or homemade by simmering balsamic vinegar until thickened, adds depth and a glossy finish.
This meal works well as a simple lunch or dinner, served warm. The recipe can also utilize leftover baked chicken breasts for convenience. The combination of creamy, tangy, sweet, and herbal flavors makes the dish balanced and satisfying.
Notes mention that bocconcini vary in size but are generally semi-soft and rindless. The balsamic reduction's thickness can be adjusted by cooking time, and homemade reduction takes about 15 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients
- 8 ounce pasta uncooked, such as penne (about 2 cups)
- ¼ cup pesto
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomato cut in half
- 1 cup bocconcini cheese
- 2 chicken breast cooked and sliced
- Balsamic reduction
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain.
- In a large bowl toss pesto and cooked pasta together so that the pasta is fully coated. Drizzle with the olive oil and stir. Add in the tomatoes, bocconcini and toss.
- Top with sliced chicken and drizzle with the Balsamic reduction.
Notes
- Bocconcini are small, soft mozzarella cheeses that come in various sizes and add mild creaminess without rind.
- Balsamic reduction is a thickened balsamic vinegar that can be purchased or made by simmering vinegar until reduced and syrupy, about 15 minutes.
- This recipe pairs well with baked chicken breast, which can be prepared separately and sliced for topping.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 434 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 434kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 45g | 15% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 46mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 235mg | 10% |
| Potassium | 416mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 510IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 9.2mg | 10% |
| Calcium | 133mg | 13% |
| Iron | 1.3mg | 7% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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