Caprese Pasta Recipe

If there’s one dish that brings together the light, fresh flavors of summer with the comforting heartiness of a weeknight meal, it’s this Caprese Pasta. We’re talking tender strips of golden chicken nestled throughout twirls of creamy, savory-sweet sauce, pops of juicy cherry tomatoes, those legendary pockets of melty mozzarella, and just the right kick of fresh basil. This recipe is the definition of cozy yet bright—you get restaurant-quality taste in under an hour, with no complicated steps. Whether you’re cooking for the family, a crowd, or just yourself, you’ll love how easy, flexible, and all-out delicious this pasta is!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that each ingredient plays a starring role. Here’s what you want to gather and why it matters:

• Chicken Breast: Sliced thin for quick, even cooking. Delivers satisfying protein and soaks up all the flavors.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings for maximum flavor with zero effort.
• Flour (for dredging chicken): Helps get that irresistible golden crust on the chicken.
• Olive Oil: For searing chicken—extra flavor, not just a cooking medium.
• Dry White Wine: Adds depth and brightness to the sauce. (Sub with chicken broth if you prefer.)
• Butter: The backbone of the creamy, luxurious sauce.
• Fresh Garlic: That aromatic punch every great pasta needs.
• Flour (for sauce): Thickens the sauce, making it luscious without being heavy.
• Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor in the sauce—just a squeeze does wonders.
• Half and Half & Chicken Broth: The creamy base—half cream, half milk keeps it light and velvety.
• Parmesan Cheese: For richness and that salty, umami edge. Always go for freshly grated!
• Cherry Tomatoes: For bursts of sweetness and color. They stay juicy and gorgeous.
• Mozzarella (Cubed): Pure, gooey bliss! Opt for low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella if you can.
• Penne Pasta: Catches lots of sauce, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.
• Dried Basil, Oregano, Onion Powder, Mustard Powder: Balances and amplifies the other flavors, giving the sauce its Italian soul.
• Fresh Basil: Don’t skip this—it brings everything together with its garden-fresh flair.
• Balsamic Glaze (optional): That tangy-sweet finish is next level if you have it.

Tip: Pre-measure your ingredients before starting. Trust me, prep makes things even faster!

Variations

Want to mix things up? This Caprese Pasta is your blank canvas. Try these ideas:

• Swap the Protein: Use shrimp, rotisserie chicken, or even cannellini beans to make it vegetarian (forgo the chicken broth in the sauce).
• Switch the Pasta: Rigatoni, fusilli, farfalle—anything with ridges or curves will catch the sauce beautifully.
• Add Greens: Wilt in a couple handfuls of fresh spinach or arugula just before serving for an extra nutrient boost.
• Vegan Twist: Try plant-based cream, veggie broth, and your favorite dairy-free cheese.
• No Wine? Just double up on broth (chicken or veggie) for a slightly lighter but still flavorful sauce.
• Zest it Up: A sprinkle of lemon zest at the end can add another fresh note that’s absolutely delicious.

How to Make Caprese Pasta

Step 1: Prep and Season

Start by mixing your half and half, chicken broth, and all dried seasonings in a jug. It’s a little trick that keeps things moving smooth once you’re at the stove! Measure and set out the rest of your ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Slice the chicken breast lengthwise into thinner cutlets—it cooks faster and more evenly this way. Season both sides generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dredge lightly with flour, tapping off any excess.

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side, until a deep golden crust forms. Remove the chicken and let it rest (don’t skip this part—it makes slicing juicy and easy!).

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, pour in your white wine (or broth), scraping up those flavor-packed browned bits with a spatula as it bubbles. Let it reduce by half, intensifying the aroma.

Add the butter and minced garlic, letting them sizzle for a minute. Next, sprinkle in the flour—this will thicken your sauce. Stir in the tomato paste, letting it blend and deepen in color.

Gradually add your pre-mixed half and half/broth/seasoning combo in small splashes, whisking steadily. Bring it just to a gentle boil, then reduce to a low simmer.

Step 4: Pasta Time

While your sauce simmers, cook the penne (or your pasta of choice) in well-salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain, but reserve a splash of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 5: Bring it All Together

Slowly whisk in the Parmesan until melted and smooth. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and mozzarella cubes, stirring gently—they’ll get just melt-in-your-mouth gooey.

Fold in your drained pasta, followed by the chicken (sliced into strips). Toss everything so the sauce coats every piece and the warmth brings the flavors together.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Top with fresh basil (either leaves or ribbons). If you’re in the mood for a true Caprese experience, drizzle with balsamic glaze.

How to Serve

A steaming bowl of Caprese Pasta really doesn’t need much else—it’s a showstopper on its own! But you can easily round out your meal with:

• Fresh Green Salad: Something peppery (like arugula) with a lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully.
• Garlic Bread: Soaks up every last drop of that creamy sauce.
• Light White Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or simply sparkling water with a lemon wedge.

For an extra-special touch, top your pasta with extra basil, a dusting of Parmesan, and a quick swirl of balsamic glaze.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together and it reheats surprisingly well.

Freezing

This pasta actually freezes great! Store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. The sauce may thicken, but a little splash of milk or cream and gentle reheating will bring it right back.

Reheating

Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to restore the sauce’s creaminess. The microwave works too (short bursts, stirring often).

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Caprese Pasta is a weeknight hero—bright and breezy, but impossibly comforting. It’s packed with flavor, open to your twists, and guaranteed to bring smiles around your dinner table. Add it to your rotation and get ready for big flavor with zero fuss. Happy cooking!

Print