Chicken Caprese Salad with Creamy Basil Pesto

This Chicken Caprese Salad with Creamy Basil Pesto is the kind of weeknight dinner that transports you straight to the Italian countryside—without ever leaving your kitchen. Imagine juicy, tender grilled chicken thighs nestled on a bed of al dente pasta, surrounded by juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy burrata, and drizzled with a vibrant homemade basil pesto. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner party.

There’s something about the combination of fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan, and lemon juice that gives the pesto its signature creamy, herbaceous kick. When tossed over warm pasta and topped with seasoned chicken, every bite becomes a celebration of bold flavors and irresistible textures. If you’re craving something hearty but still fresh and balanced, this dish hits all the right notes.

You can also find more vibrant salad recipes on Pinterest if you’re looking to round out the meal or plan your week ahead.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• Quick & Easy: This entire dish takes just 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Meal Prep Friendly: You can cook the chicken and make the pesto ahead of time.
• Family Approved: The flavors are simple yet elevated, perfect for picky eaters and foodies alike.
• Versatile: It works just as well warm or chilled, making it a great option for dinner or lunch leftovers.

Taste & Texture

Each forkful brings a beautiful mix of creamy burrata, smoky paprika-seasoned chicken, and that rich, nutty pesto. The pasta gives it body and chew, while the cherry tomatoes burst with freshness. It’s a satisfying dish that feels balanced—fresh yet hearty, savory yet bright.

Dietary Attributes

This dish is naturally gluten-free if you swap the pasta for your favorite gluten-free option. It’s also high-protein, thanks to the chicken and cheese, and easily adjustable for low-carb diets if you skip the pasta and serve over greens instead.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

• 1 pack pasta shells (Casarecce recommended)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon each)
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil + extra for cooking
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 4 oz fresh burrata

For the creamy basil pesto:

• 2 cups fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
• ¼ cup fresh oregano
• 4 garlic cloves (adjust to taste)
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Notes on Quality

Fresh basil is key here—don’t substitute with dried herbs or store-bought pesto unless you’re really short on time. Burrata should be cold and creamy, with a soft center that melts into the pasta beautifully. Cherry tomatoes should be plump and ripe for the best burst of flavor.

Possible Substitutions

• Use mozzarella balls if burrata isn’t available.
• Chicken breast can be swapped for thighs if you prefer leaner meat.
• Walnuts or sunflower seeds can replace Parmesan for a dairy-free pesto.
• Arugula or spinach can be added to the pesto for a greener twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, bouillon powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
• Place the chicken thighs in a bowl or ziplock bag, drizzle with olive oil, and rub in the seasoning mix until well coated. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge).
• While the chicken is marinating, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

• In a food processor, combine all the pesto ingredients. Pulse until it reaches a creamy, slightly chunky consistency.
• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• In a cast iron or oven-safe skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken thighs, skin-side down, for 3 minutes until browned.
• Flip the chicken and transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
• Assemble your bowls: Add pasta to each serving dish, top with halved cherry tomatoes, torn burrata, and sliced chicken.
• Drizzle with generous spoonfuls of creamy basil pesto and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Make the pesto a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Don’t overcook the chicken—use a thermometer for juicy, tender results every time.
• Tear the burrata right before serving to preserve its creamy texture.

Common Mistakes

• Overcooking the pasta. Keep it al dente so it holds up well when mixed with the pesto.
• Using too much garlic if you’re sensitive to pungent flavors. Feel free to start with 2 cloves and adjust to your liking.
• Skipping the resting time for the chicken, which helps the juices redistribute.

Time-Saving Tips

• Use store-bought pesto in a pinch, but dress it up with extra lemon and fresh basil.
• Grill the chicken in batches ahead of time and refrigerate for quick assembly later.
• Cook pasta the night before and toss it with a bit of olive oil to keep it from sticking.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

• Serve with a crusty Italian bread or garlic focaccia.
• Add a light side like this refreshing Beet Garden Salad with Goat Cheese to balance the richness of the dish.
• For a vibrant twist, pair with this tangy Tomato Feta Salad for a full Mediterranean-inspired spread.

Presentation Ideas

• Serve in shallow white bowls to make the colors pop.
• Garnish with a fresh sprig of basil or a sprinkle of lemon zest for a restaurant-worthy finish.

Beverage Pairings

• A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly.
• Sparkling water with lemon or a homemade iced tea with mint is great for non-alcoholic options.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the pesto separate if you can—it helps preserve its vibrant color and flavor.

Reheating Methods

• Warm in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring gently between rounds.
• Reheat chicken separately in the oven to preserve its crisp edges.
• Serve cold for a refreshing pasta salad-style lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! Grilled shrimp or seared tofu are great alternatives.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—use a dairy-free cheese alternative for the burrata and omit Parmesan from the pesto, replacing it with a tablespoon of nutritional yeast.

Can I use a different pasta?
Totally. Penne, fusilli, or farfalle work beautifully.

Troubleshooting

My pesto turned brown—what happened?
Oxidation! Add a splash of lemon juice or store it with a layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning.

My chicken turned out dry.
Check the internal temp while baking and let it rest before slicing.

The pasta feels sticky.
Be sure to rinse it with cool water and toss in olive oil after draining if you’re prepping ahead.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• For a low-carb version, skip the pasta and serve the chicken and pesto over spiralized zucchini or roasted cauliflower.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make it celiac-friendly.
• For a vegan twist, skip the chicken and burrata and add grilled tofu and vegan cheese.

Flavor Twists

• Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra umami.
• Toss in toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch.
• Blend in avocado with your pesto for an ultra-creamy finish.

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• In summer, use heirloom tomatoes for a colorful, juicy burst.
• For a winter variation, roast cherry tomatoes and add roasted squash cubes for a comforting version.

Conclusion

This Chicken Caprese Salad with Creamy Basil Pesto is a standout dish that blends classic Italian flavors with modern comfort and ease. It’s colorful, creamy, and full of flavor—and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re serving it for a weekday dinner or a festive lunch. Don’t forget to check out more vibrant salad recipes like the Beet Garden Salad with Goat Cheese and the zesty Tomato Feta Salad to round out your table.

If you try this recipe, be sure to share your photos and tag us over on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your bowls turn out.

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