Basil Pasta with Chicken and Tomato?

Answer 1

Caprese salad is an Italian classic. It is fresh light and very easy to make with just three ingredients: basil, tomato and mozzarella cheese. Those three ingredients complement one another so beautifully they're appearing in all kinds of recipes. Our one skillet dish uses them to advantage with penne pasta. If you love pasta bursting with fresh ingredients and served simply (and quickly), this pasta is for you.

Basil Pasta with Tomato (Italian "Caprese" style)

Ingredients

• 3 chicken breasts, grilled
• 16 oz. box whole penne pasta
• 8 oz. mozzarella
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 3 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• 12 oz. grape tomatoes, whole or halved
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp. olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Prepare chicken and cut into thin strips. Set aside.
2. Prepare pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. Cut mozzarella into 1 inch cubes and place in a medium sized bowl.
4. Remove stems from basil and parsley. Chop, and add to cheese.
5. In a large skillet, heat oil and add garlic. Sauté for two minutes or until fragrant.
6. Add pasta and toss until coated. About 2 minutes.
7. Add chicken and toss. Cook for two minutes.
8. Add cheese, greens and vinegar to the pasta and toss. Continue cooking for five minutes or until greens are wilted and cheese is somewhat melted.
9. Add tomatoes, salt and pepper to taste. Toss one last time.

Serve warm.

This recipe is as colorful as it is tasty. It makes a wonderful presentation when served family style in a large bowl. Serve with garlic bread or crusty French bread slices.

If you're a cheese lover, this basil pasta with tomato recipe is also delicious with grated parmesan cheese on the top.

This dish refrigerates well. If anything, it tastes better the second day.

Special note: Cherry tomatoes (sliced in half) or chopped Roma tomatoes can be substituted for grape tomatoes in the recipe.

Recipe serves 4 generously.