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Chicken Caprese Pasta Bake

Chicken Caprese Pasta Bake
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Chicken Caprese Pasta Bake is a comforting and vibrant one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and gooey mozzarella cheese baked with penne or rigatoni pasta. This recipe is quick to prepare, family-friendly, and perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner that combines fresh summer flavors with cheesy goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Pasta

  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 1 1/2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Cheese and Toppings

  • 8 oz fresh or shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Balsamic glaze or vinegar, for drizzling (about 2 tbsp)

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil, then cook your chosen pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the other ingredients, as the pasta will finish cooking in the bake.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and cook diced chicken breasts, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is fully done and lightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: Using the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Then add halved cherry tomatoes and cook them until they start to soften and release their juices, creating a lightly saucy base.
  4. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Tomatoes: In a large bowl, gently toss the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, and tomatoes together. Add chopped fresh basil and drizzle balsamic glaze, mixing everything until evenly combined.
  5. Assemble the Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Top generously with shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese, spreading it evenly to cover the surface for maximum gooeyness.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the dish for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and beginning to turn golden brown. Remove and let rest a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.
  • Fresh mozzarella provides a creamier melt and authentic flavor.
  • Use ripe, sweet tomatoes for the best freshness and taste.
  • Add basil last to retain its bright color and flavor, stirring it in just before baking or after cooking.
  • Let the bake rest for a few minutes after baking to make it easier to cut and serve neatly.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Caprese, Pasta Bake, Mozzarella, Basil, Cherry Tomatoes, One-dish meal, Family-friendly, Italian, Comfort Food

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/chicken-caprese-pasta-bake/