One pot chicken pasta caprese is the easiest, most incredible pasta dish ever. It takes less than 20 minutes to make this dish and since it’s only one-pot, clean up will be a snap too!
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Best Chicken Pasta Caprese
I love one-pot meals. The last thing I want to do after cooking dinner is to stand and scrub a bunch of dishes. If you feel the same, you’ve got to check out my goulash recipe, one pot cheesy enchilada pasta, one pot burrito bowls, and this delicious one-pan dijon chicken with potatoes.
Caprese salad has long been a favorite of mine. If you haven’t tried the salad version, it’s an amazing combination of sliced tomatoes layered with basil leaves, fresh mozzarella cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic dressing.
Every time I eat Caprese, I find I want more. So I decided to upgrade the traditional appetizer into a full-blown meal by adding hearty pasta as the base. This recipe is light on calories for a pasta dish, but heavy on flavor.
I’ve made this recipe about 3 times in the past month (tweaking a little here and there), and my family still hasn’t gotten sick of it. I also had leftovers and dropped some by a friend who was moving and she said her family all loved it too! This easy chicken caprese pasta is a crowd-pleaser! Everyone who has tried it loves it!
Why I Love It
There are so many great things going for this pasta dish. You can pretty much never go wrong with pasta in my book, especially when it’s paired with tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic.
- Minimal prep time. Instead of spending hours debating over what’s for dinner, take a few minutes to prep this simple dish. It takes just 10 short minutes to prep and is so easy!
- One pot. Not only is the prep time super quick, but the best part about this chicken caprese pasta is that you can literally throw all the ingredients into the pot and let it cook. Hardly any work or dishes involved!
- Natural flavors. Rather than a run-of-the-mill pasta, this version forgoes the classic tomato sauce for grape tomatoes. I love how easy these are to use and how flavorful they are. They are cooked in with this dish, so not only do you get that incredible tomato flavor, but you get the juicy pop each time you take a bite.
Ingredients
This recipe is filled with all the good stuff. The chicken chunks and noodles are cooked in chicken broth instead of water so the entire dish is permeated with flavor. Grape tomatoes are cooked directly into the dish as well, then the entire thing is topped with basil and mozzarella for that traditional Caprese flavor.
In my opinion, the balsamic glaze is absolutely worth making for this dish. With only 2 ingredients, it’s simple to make and once you try it you’ll be hooked. I put this glaze on veggies, protein, salads, and, of course, this pasta!
If you don’t have mozzarella on hand, don’t panic! There are a few kinds of cheese that can work well with this caprese pasta with chicken. You’ll want a mild cheese that adds creaminess without jarring the flavor too much. A few good options are Swiss, provolone, or Havarti.
How to Make Chicken Caprese Pasta
Making this caprese pasta with chicken couldn’t be simpler! Combine the ingredients together making this the best dinner option. Grab a large pot and let’s start making this chicken Caprese pasta!
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Combine. Add ingredients to the pot. Combine the chicken stock, noodles, chicken, tomatoes, green onions, garlic, seasonings, and vinegar in a deep pan with a lid.
- Cover and cook. Cover with lid and cook over medium-high heat for 8 to 10 minutes, or until pasta and chicken are cooked. Stir occasionally.
- Add cheese and toppings, then serve. Once cooked, stir in the cheese and cover with the lid until it’s nice and melted. Top with fresh basil and drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired.
Can I Make this Dish Gluten-Free?
Making this into a gluten-free recipe takes a little bit of extra work. While some would suggest simply switching the regular pasta for a gluten-free version, I’d instead suggest cooking the pasta separately from the rest of your dish.
Gluten-free pasta usually has a different cook time than traditional pasta. Generally, it takes about 2-3 minutes to cook pasta without gluten. However, the chicken may not get that memo and you definitely want chicken that is fully cooked. Cook your GF pasta separately from your sauce, then mix them together before topping with mozzarella.
Tips for Making Caprese Pasta with Chicken
After making this dish dozens of times, I have come across a few things that help make it much easier to create this recipe in a flash, while amping up the taste. These great tips and substitutions will help add and build to this chicken Caprese pasta!
- Chicken. If you are in a hurry, you can sub out the boneless skinless chicken breast for its pre-cubed frozen counterpart.
- Tomatoes. An entire pint of grape tomatoes can be easily halved by placing the tomatoes in a single layer between two plastic lids or two plates, then taking a knife and slicing carefully through the middle.
- Cheese. If you want the mozzarella a little more golden, you could also pop the dish in the oven for a minute or two as well after it is done cooking on the stovetop.
- Onions. Don’t have green onions on hand? It’s fine to use regular onion instead.
- Spicy. Add some spice by sprinkling red pepper flakes when combining the ingredients together.
Recipe FAQs
Caprese chicken or chicken caprese is an Italian-inspired dish that includes tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, herbs, extra virgin olive oil, and vinegar. This Italian dish can even be cooked in a variety of ways!
There are several options for a great side dish for this chicken caprese pasta. Mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, salad, corn on the cob, or baked garlic bread.
Caprese is an Italian term that refers to the combination of mozzarella balls, sliced tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves with olive oil drizzled on top.
The mini mozzarella balls that are round and small are also known as pearls. They are small and resemble cherries or cherry tomatoes. These small mozzarella balls are filled with cow milk and are white in color with a delicate flavor.
5 star review
“This is easily one of the best and easiest pasta dishes I have ever had or made!! It has SO much flavor! Can’t recommend it enough!”
-Miranda
Storing One Pot Caprese Pasta
Store in an airtight container for three to five days long in the refrigerator. When ready to reheat, place in the microwave or on the stovetop to warm up.
More Caprese Recipes
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Chicken Pasta Caprese
Video
Ingredients
- 32 ounces chicken stock
- 1 pound noodles
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast , cubed
- 1 pint grape tomatoes , halved
- ¼ cup green onions , sliced
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese , cubed
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil , optional
- Balsamic glaze , optional
Instructions
- Combine the chicken stock, noodles, chicken, tomatoes, green onions, garlic, seasonings and vinegar in a large stock pot. Cover and cook over medium-high heat for 8 to 10 minutes, or until pasta and chicken are cooked. Stir occasionally.
- Once cooked, stir in the cheese and cover with the lid until melted. Top with fresh basil and drizzle with balsamic if desired.
- Enjoy while hot!
Notes
- Can sub out the chicken breast for its pre-cubed frozen counterpart.
- If you want the mozzarella a little more golden, you could also pop the dish in the oven for a minute or two as well after it is done cooking on the stove top.
- To make gluten-free: I’d suggest cooking the GF pasta separately from the rest of your dish. It usually has a different cook time, so all ingredients may not be ready at the same time. Cook your GF pasta separately from your sauce, then mix them together before topping with mozzarella.
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: 30 Minute Meals, 30 Minute Meals, Chicken, Dinner, Italian, One Pot, One Pot, Pasta, Stovetop
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.
This chicken pasta caprese is the perfect easy weeknight dinner meal! My family and I loved it and will definitely be making this again, thank you!
One pot meals are the best, especially caprese pasta!! This is so yummy!! It feels light & has great flavor!