Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces whole grain pasta (rotini or any shape)
- Salt (for pasta water)
- Olive oil (for tossing pasta)
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 ¼ pounds Just BARE Organic Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Fillets, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
- 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes, halved if large
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole grain pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over high heat. Add the chicken cubes along with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook the chicken until it is no longer pink in the center, about 3 minutes per side. Remove the chicken to a plate and carefully wipe the pan clean with a paper towel to remove any residue without burning your fingers.
- Cook the Tomatoes and Garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Let cook for 1 minute, then reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and begin to wrinkle. Add the balsamic vinegar and cook for 30 seconds to incorporate the flavor.
- Combine All Ingredients: Add the drained pasta, cooked chicken, and fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook just until the spinach begins to wilt. If the mixture seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil and mozzarella cubes.
- Serve: Serve the Caprese Chicken Pasta immediately while hot and enjoy this flavorful, nutritious meal.
Notes
- Using whole grain pasta adds fiber and nutrients to this dish.
- Fresh mozzarella adds creaminess, but you can substitute with burrata if desired.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving, adding more salt or pepper as preferred.
- Reserve pasta water is key to loosening the sauce and helping it cling to the pasta.
- Cook chicken fully to reach internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
