Chicken Caprese Macaroni and Cheese

There’s something truly magical about a dish that combines the classic comfort of macaroni and cheese with fresh flavors reminiscent of summer. The Chicken Caprese Macaroni and Cheese does just that—a creamy, cheesy delight that also brings in vibrant bursts of color and freshness from basil and tomatoes. I remember the first time I made it; it was a rainy evening, and I was craving something warm and satisfying. Little did I know, the blend of chicken, mozzarella, and parmesan would soon become a staple in my home. Gathering my family around the dinner table with this dish was a heartwarming experience, and it quickly turned into a favorite. Each bite is like a cozy hug on a plate, perfect for any occasion.

What to Buy for Chicken Caprese Macaroni and Cheese

The ingredients for this delightful dish are simple yet impactful. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and fresh herbs results in a beautiful harmony that will leave your taste buds singing.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken to a golden perfection.
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts: The main protein that adds heartiness to the dish.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of all ingredients.
• ⅛ teaspoon pepper: Adds a little spice to balance the creaminess.
• ¼ teaspoon dried basil: Infuses an aromatic flavor reminiscent of fresh herbs.
• 2 cloves minced garlic: Provides a robust flavor base.
• 2 cups chicken broth: The liquid gold that brings everything together.
• 1 cup evaporated milk: Delivers creamy richness.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent for the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon salt: For seasoning the pasta.
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: For an extra layer of flavor.
• 3 cups dried elbow macaroni: The classic pasta that holds the cheese and sauces beautifully.
• 2 cups grated parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and creaminess.
• 1 cup grated mozzarella: Provides that gooey, stretchy texture we all love.
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved: Offers a burst of sweetness and color.
• ¼ cup fresh basil: A fresh herb garnish that brightens the dish.
• balsamic glaze: An optional topping that adds a tangy finish.

Step by Step Guide for Chicken Caprese Macaroni and Cheese

Making the Chicken Caprese Macaroni and Cheese is a journey worth taking. Each step is simple yet rewarding, and soon you’ll be rewarded with a dish that everyone will love. Let’s dive into the cooking process!

1. In a large saucepan, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat. The oil should glisten, signaling it’s ready for the next step.
2. Carefully place 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts into the pan. Sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon pepper, and ¼ teaspoon dried basil. Sear for about five minutes, allowing the chicken to develop a golden crust.
3. Turn the chicken to cook the other side. Once again, sprinkle with remaining spices. The aroma should fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist!
4. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees and is no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
5. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the pan. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as that can turn the flavors bitter.
6. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up those delicious bits stuck to the bottom.
7. Measure out 1 cup of evaporated milk and whisk in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Pour this into the pan with the chicken broth, stirring to combine. This will create a rich, creamy base for your dish.
8. Add in 1 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, stirring well to incorporate all the flavors.
9. Next, add 3 cups of dried elbow macaroni into the mix. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and let the noodles cook for about ten minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
10. Once the noodles are tender, stir in 2 cups of grated parmesan cheese and 1 cup of grated mozzarella. Mix until the cheeses melt and create a luscious creaminess.
11. Add in ½ cup of cherry tomatoes halved and ¼ cup of fresh basil. Stir gently, allowing the tomatoes to warm through.
12. Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pan. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired for an extra layer of flavor.
13. Serve warm and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors in your Chicken Caprese Macaroni and Cheese!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Chicken Caprese Macaroni and Cheese turns out perfect every time, here are some handy tips:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
• Pairing: Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Serving Size: This recipe makes approximately six servings; perfect for family dinner or meal prep!
• Herb Variations: Experiment by adding different herbs like oregano or thyme for a unique twist.
• Extra Creamy: For a richer sauce, consider adding a splash of cream when mixing in the cheeses.

How to Serve Chicken Caprese Macaroni and Cheese

Serving the Chicken Caprese Macaroni and Cheese is all about presentation and pairing it with the right accompaniments. Here are some great ideas:

• Family Style: Serve it directly from the pot for a casual, family-style dinner that invites everyone to dig in.
• With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh garden salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
• Garnish: Top with additional fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a vibrant finish.
• Special Occasions: This dish is perfect for gatherings; it’s easy to scale up for larger crowds.
• Comfort Food Night: Make it a theme night with other comfort foods—think garlic bread and creamy soups.
• Seasonal Pairing: In summer, serve with grilled vegetables or a light tomato salad to keep it fresh.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Chicken Caprese Macaroni and Cheese is a delightful fusion of flavors that brings comfort to any meal. With its creamy texture, tender chicken, and vibrant tomatoes, it’s sure to become a family favorite. I encourage you to try it for your next dinner; it’s an experience you won’t want to miss out on!

Chicken Caprese Macaroni and Cheese

The ultimate comfort food, Chicken Caprese Macaroni and Cheese combines creamy cheese, tender chicken, and fresh basil for a dish that’s both hearty and refreshing. It’s the perfect easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love, making it a must-try tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 540

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts thin cut or breast portions cut in half
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ teaspoon dried basil
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 cups dried elbow macaroni
• 2 cups grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup grated mozzarella
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
• ¼ cup fresh basil
• balsamic glaze optional topping

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl
• Grater
• Frying Pan
• Chef's Knife
• Saucepan
• Whisk

Method

 

1. In a large saucepan, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat. The oil should glisten, signaling it's ready for the next step.
2. Carefully place 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts into the pan. Sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon pepper, and ¼ teaspoon dried basil. Sear for about five minutes, allowing the chicken to develop a golden crust.
3. Turn the chicken to cook the other side. Once again, sprinkle with remaining spices. The aroma should fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist!
4. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees and is no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
5. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the pan. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as that can turn the flavors bitter.
6. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up those delicious bits stuck to the bottom.
7. Measure out 1 cup of evaporated milk and whisk in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Pour this into the pan with the chicken broth, stirring to combine. This will create a rich, creamy base for your dish.
8. Add in 1 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, stirring well to incorporate all the flavors.
9. Next, add 3 cups of dried elbow macaroni into the mix. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and let the noodles cook for about ten minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
10. Once the noodles are tender, stir in 2 cups of grated parmesan cheese and 1 cup of grated mozzarella. Mix until the cheeses melt and create a luscious creaminess.
11. Add in ½ cup of cherry tomatoes halved and ¼ cup of fresh basil. Stir gently, allowing the tomatoes to warm through.
12. Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pan. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired for an extra layer of flavor.
13. Serve warm and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors in your Chicken Caprese Macaroni and Cheese!

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Tip 2: This dish can be frozen before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
• Tip 3: Serve with a fresh garden salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
• Tip 4: This recipe makes approximately six servings; perfect for family dinner or meal prep!
• Tip 5: Experiment by adding different herbs like oregano or thyme for a unique twist.
• Tip 6: For a richer sauce, consider adding a splash of cream when mixing in the cheeses.

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Meet Chloe Bennett

I started this blog to document the rustic, comforting food I love to make. I’m the “Pine” of the group I’m all about hearty stews, wood-fired cooking, and cozy, one-pot meals. I brought my best friends on board to make this a shared journal of our adventures. I work closely with Maya to develop our main courses and do most of the writing for our posts.