With tender pasta, juicy chicken, sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil all tossed in a garlicky olive oil sauce, this Chicken Caprese Pasta is a warm-weather favorite that’s quick, comforting, and loaded with fresh flavor.
Why We Love This Chicken Caprese Pasta
It’s fast, fresh, and always a hit at the table. Here’s why we keep coming back to it:
- 20-Minute Dinner: Quick cook time with minimal prep.
- One-Pan Option: Everything can be tossed together in one skillet.
- Seasonal Favorite: Ripe tomatoes and basil shine.
- Creamy-Melty Goodness: Mozzarella melts into the warm pasta.
- Versatile: Works with leftover chicken or rotisserie.
Key Ingredients
You’ll find the exact amounts in the recipe card, but here are the essentials:
- Pasta – Short shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle work great.
- Cooked Chicken – Grilled, sautéed, or rotisserie.
- Cherry Tomatoes – Halved, for juicy bursts of flavor.
- Mozzarella – Fresh pearls or diced block mozzarella.
- Fresh Basil – Torn or chopped.
- Garlic + Olive Oil – For a light, flavorful sauce.
- Salt, Pepper, and Optional Red Pepper Flakes
How to Make Chicken Caprese Pasta
Here’s how to bring it all together fast:
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta according to package directions. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add tomatoes and cook until slightly softened.
- Add Chicken and Pasta: Stir in cooked chicken and pasta. Toss to combine, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
- Finish and Serve: Off heat, stir in mozzarella and basil. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Serve warm.
Chef’s Tips and Variations
- Use Leftovers: A great way to use up grilled or baked chicken.
- No Fresh Mozzarella? Use shredded mozzarella or even burrata.
- Add Greens: Toss in spinach or arugula at the end.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of pesto.
What to Serve With Chicken Caprese Pasta
Bread
Serve with garlic bread, baguette, or focaccia.
Veggie Sides
Roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a simple garden salad.
Something Cool
Chilled rosé or sparkling water with lemon is a perfect match.
Chicken Caprese Pasta
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: ~20 minutes
Servings: 4
This Chicken Caprese Pasta is a fast, fresh meal that comes together in 20 minutes. Juicy chicken, sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil are tossed with tender pasta in a garlicky olive oil sauce—it’s everything you love about Caprese, made hearty.
Ingredients
- 12 oz short pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls or diced mozzarella
- ½ cup fresh basil, torn
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
- Optional: ¼ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving ¼ cup pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes until just softened.
- Stir in chicken and cooked pasta. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
- Off heat, mix in mozzarella and basil. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Leftovers: Great cold the next day—like a Caprese pasta salad!
- Pasta Swap: Try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
- Make It Creamy: Add a splash of cream or spoonful of pesto for a richer twist.