Tomato and basil just go together and with mozzarella? Even better.
It’s a healthier twist on chicken parmesan because the chicken isn’t breaded. You definitely won’t miss the breadcrumbs in this easy dish that’sย ready in 20 minutes and packed with flavor.
It’s also like a caprese salad bumped into chicken and pasta and they lived happily ever after.
The tomatoes help keep the chicken moist and juicy, the basil packs a flavorful punch, and the cheese is gooey and wonderful.
You don’t really ‘need’ the pasta. A healthy salad or some garlic bread alongside would be great but since I have a jillion boxes of half-used pasta cluttering my pantry, I boiled some rotini for my pasta-loving daughter.ย Spaghetti, angel hair, ziti, or your favorite pasta would work just as well.
Soon there will be an abundance of tomatoes and basil growing in gardens and at the markets and this recipe is a perfect way to use them. Substitute about 2 cups of fresh chopped tomatoes in place of the canned I used and you’re good to go.
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Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella Chicken
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta, I used rotini; spaghetti, angel hair, ziti, etc. may be substitued
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- about 1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- salt and pepper, for seasoning chicken
- one 14.5-ounce can petite diced tomatoes
- ยฝ teaspoon dried oregano
- ยฝ teaspoon pepper, or to taste
- ยฝ teaspoon salt, optional and to taste
- about 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded or thinly sliced from a block; fresh mozzarella may also be used
- ยผ to โ cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed when measuring, torn or chopped into small pieces
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. While pasta is cooking, start the chicken.
- To a large skillet, add the oil,ย chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook over medium-high heat for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Cooking time will vary based on the thickness of the chicken. Chicken should be about 80 to 90%ย cooked through.
- Add the tomatoes and juice to the skillet. Try to pour the tomatoes next to the chicken and in between pieces, rather than directly on top.
- Evenly sprinkle the oregano, pepper, optional salt (some brands of canned tomatoes are already salty enough, some arenโt; add salt to taste) and allow mixture to boil for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until some of the liquid from the tomatoes has evaporated.
- Turn the heat to low, evenly add the mozzarella to the top of each chicken breast, and cover the skillet until the cheese has melted, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Evenly sprinkle the basil, stir gently to incorporate it into the tomatoes, and wait about 1 minute or until basil has wilted slightly.
- Plate the chicken and tomatoes on top of the pasta. Dish is best warm and fresh but will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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oh this would be so yummy!
Is this much deliciousness even legal? Seriously, this looks amazing. I need this dish in my life ASAP!
And thanks for the tweet about my nachos, too! :)
this is SO what I need after the long weekend – something to look forward to tonight!!! looks delicious xo
You are right on target. ย I have all of these ingredients in my fridge!
Thanks for the great ideas. ย
Thank you Averie – tons of nice chicken recipes.
This is the perfect dinner recipes. I’m totally adding this to my to-make list!
I love this dish. I think I’m even more excited that there is a “lighter” version of it. I’ve pinned it for later, thanks for sharing!
Chicken parmesan is one of my absolute favorites – I love this healthier version! Beautiful, as usual!
Tomato, basil and mozzarella combo never fails! This dish is gorgeous!ย
Thanks, Anna! Have a great Memorial Day!
I love your description of this–caprese salad meets chicken and pasta. Looks so flavorful and easy! This sounds good for later in the week (and the ever popular zucchini noodles might also work instead of pasta).
It would be great with zucchini noodles! Great idea!