Imagine a mouthwatering dish that combines the vibrant flavors of Italy in just 35 minutes - your new weeknight dinner obsession is here! This Pesto Chicken Caprese Pasta is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy experience. With creamy pesto, tender chicken, burst-in-your-mouth cherry tomatoes, and melty mozzarella, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the pickiest eaters.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella balls
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of pasta, 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, 1 cup of pesto, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of mozzarella balls, fresh basil for garnish, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, pesto, halved cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated with the pesto.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta, as you want to keep some of the starch for the sauce.
- Transfer the drained pasta back to the pot over low heat. Add the pesto chicken mixture to the pot and gently toss everything together. If the mixture seems dry, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to toss gently until everything is well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Once heated, remove the pot from the heat. Serve the pesto chicken caprese pasta in bowls, garnishing each serving with fresh basil leaves.
- Enjoy your delicious Pesto Chicken Caprese Pasta warm, and feel free to add extra cherry tomatoes or mozzarella on top for presentation!
Tips
- Use high-quality pesto for maximum flavor - homemade or a premium store-bought brand makes a huge difference.
- For extra richness, use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken.
- Reserve pasta water before draining - its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce.
- Don't overcook the pasta; aim for al dente texture to maintain the perfect bite.
- For a fresh twist, try adding toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.
- If you prefer a lighter version, use whole wheat pasta and Greek yogurt-based pesto.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the mozzarella at its melty best!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 110mg
