Print

Creamy One-Pot Chicken Caprese Pasta

creamy one-pot chicken caprese pasta - featured image

A quick and comforting one-pot pasta dish combining tender chicken, fresh tomatoes, basil, and melty mozzarella in a creamy sauce, perfect for easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn into small pieces
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for about 5 minutes until golden and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, sautΓ© minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and juicy.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine, then add dry pasta. Press pasta down so it is mostly submerged. Bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking, until pasta is al dente and sauce thickens.
  5. Return cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in chopped basil and torn mozzarella. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  6. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until mozzarella melts and everything is warmed through. Adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top before serving.

Notes

If sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen. Use room temperature chicken for juicier results. Stir pasta gently and frequently to prevent sticking. Fresh mozzarella melts best when torn, not shredded. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use vegan mozzarella. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and adjust cooking time accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot pasta, chicken pasta, Caprese pasta, creamy pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food