If you’re craving a dish that combines the heartiness of macaroni and cheese with the refined flavors of chicken Caprese, you’ve come to the right place! This Chicken Caprese Macaroni and Cheese recipe is a mouth-watering blend of creamy cheese, succulent chicken, and fresh Italian ingredients that will transport your taste buds straight to a cozy trattoria.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 3 chicken breasts, thin cut or halved
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp dried basil
For the Caprese Macaroni and Cheese:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups dried elbow macaroni
- 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Balsamic glaze (optional for topping)
Directions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried basil.
- Cook for about 5 minutes on each side until browned and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Caprese Macaroni:
- In the same pan used for chicken, sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds.
- Add chicken broth to the pan.
- Dissolve cornstarch in evaporated milk and pour this mixture into the pan. Stir well to combine.
- Add macaroni noodles to the pan, bring to a simmer, and cook for about 10 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
- Mix in Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until they melt and blend smoothly with the macaroni.
- Stir in the chopped fresh basil and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Combine and Serve:
- Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the pan with the macaroni.
- Combine everything well.
- Serve the dish warm, optionally drizzled with balsamic glaze for an extra touch of flavor.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Calories: 650 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4
This Chicken Caprese Macaroni and Cheese is not only a feast for your eyes but also a feast for your palate. It’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or for impressing guests at your next gathering. Enjoy the rich flavors and let this dish become a new favorite in your home!
Chicken Caprese Macaroni and Cheese
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
The Chicken Caprese Macaroni and Cheese melds the rich, creamy textures of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses with the fresh zest of cherry tomatoes and basil, creating a dish that is both comforting and invigorating. This Italian-inspired pasta dish combines the savory, juicy flavors of seasoned chicken with the beloved simplicity of macaroni and cheese, elevated by the elegant inclusion of Caprese salad elements.
Ingredients
Chicken:
3 chicken breasts, thin cut or halved
¼ tsp salt
⅛ tsp pepper
¼ tsp dried basil
Caprese Macaroni and Cheese:
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup evaporated milk
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper
2 cups chicken broth
3 cups dried elbow macaroni
2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Balsamic glaze (optional topping)
Instructions
In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts, seasoning with salt, pepper, and dried basil. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side until browned and no longer pink. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Add minced garlic to the same pan; cook for about 30 seconds. Add chicken broth.
Whisk cornstarch into the evaporated milk and pour into the pan. Stir well.
Add macaroni noodles, bring to a simmer, and cook for about 10 minutes until noodles are tender.
Stir in both cheeses until melted and well combined. Add diced tomatoes and fresh basil.
Slice the cooked chicken and add back to the pan. Stir to combine.
Serve warm, drizzled with balsamic glaze if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 650 kcal