Sarah Thomas-Drawbaugh, Recipe Developer and Food Blogger, Healthyish Foods
Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 25 mins Serves: 4
Looking for a delicious and easy to make meal? Try this twist on a traditional caprese salad that turns a light Summer caprese salad into more of a satisfying meal. Combine Smart Chicken breasts, cooked shellbow pasta, a delicious yet simple red sauce and mozzarella pearls. This entire dish comes together in 35-40 minutes, making this a quick and delicious dinner any night of the week.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Pasta
1 lb. Smart Chicken Boneless Skinless Breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
8 ounces shellbow pasta
For the Red Sauce
2 tablespoons butter
¾ cup diced shallots
1.5 teaspoons minced garlic
16 ounces cherry / grape tomatoes
1 teaspoon salt
1.5 teaspoons dried oregano
1 can crushed tomatoes – 28 ounce can with juice
½ cup heavy cream
4 ounces mozzarella pearls
Optional Garnishes
Fresh basil
Red pepper flakes
Few turns cracked black pepper
Reduced balsamic glaze
Directions
Boil a pot of water and cook the pasta according to the package. Al dente is best since the pasta will cook in the sauce. Drain the water using a colander and set the cooked pasta aside.
Pull the chicken from the refrigerator and allow it to sit for 15 minutes at room temperature. Gently pound the chicken using a mallet so it is tender and cooks more evenly. Season the chicken with some salt. Next, grab a 3.5-quart non-stick sauteuse pan and add the olive oil over medium heat. Then, you’ll add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan. Pan roast for 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the chicken breasts from the pan and set them aside.
Using the same pan with the chicken drippings, add the butter, diced shallots, minced garlic, salt, oregano, and grape / cherry tomatoes. Stir well. Once the tomatoes begin to blister, add 1 can of crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and red pepper flakes. Stir well. Simmer over medium low heat.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until its well coated. Next, you will nestle the chicken breasts back into the pasta, along with any dripping they released while resting. Next, you will top the dish with some mozzarella pearls or shredded mozzarella. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted. Finish with cracked black pepper, fresh chopped basil, and fresh chopped Italian parsley. Serve hot!