Easy, Fresh, and Dressed with a Balsamic Glaze
If there’s a pasta dish that manages to be both comforting and light, this is it. My Ground Chicken Caprese with Farfalle Pasta is what happens when your weeknight dinner goals collide with summer-in-a-bowl vibes. It’s got all the goodness of a caprese salad—ripe tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and fresh basil—but tossed with perfectly seasoned ground chicken and tender farfalle pasta (aka bowties because everything tastes better in cute shapes, right?).
And the best part? We’re skipping the sharp tang of balsamic vinegar and going straight for the good stuff: a silky balsamic glaze. It adds the perfect sweet-savory finish without overwhelming the dish.
Ingredients
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
For the Pasta
- 12 oz farfalle pasta
- Salt (for the pasta water)
For the Chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or just basil + oregano)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Caprese Fixings
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz mozzarella pearls, drained
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (plus extra for garnish)
- 2–3 tablespoons balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
1. Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle and cook until al dente, about 10–11 minutes. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
2. Brown the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken, breaking it up with a spatula. Once it starts to brown, stir in the minced garlic, onion powder, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Add in an 8 oz. can of Tomato Sauce
Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly golden—about 6–8 minutes total.
3. Toss in Tomatoes
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet with the chicken and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until they soften and release a little juice. You want them warm but not mushy.
4. Combine Everything
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. If it seems dry, drizzle in some of the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen things up.
5. Add Mozzarella & Basil
Turn off the heat and stir in the mozzarella pearls and chopped basil. The residual heat will gently soften the mozzarella without melting it completely. This is that dreamy, creamy bite you’re waiting for.
6. Drizzle & Serve
Divide into bowls and finish each serving with a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze. Top with extra basil if you’re feeling fancy.
Tips & Substitutions
- No farfalle? Use penne, fusilli, or rotini. Anything with grooves or curves to hold onto that glaze.
- Want it creamier? Add a splash of cream or a spoonful of ricotta just before stirring in the mozzarella pearls.
- Feeding kids? Skip the red pepper flakes, or let adults add them at the table.
- Make it ahead: Cook everything except the mozzarella and glaze. Reheat and add those just before serving.
Pair It With
This dish is lovely with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon. A simple side of roasted asparagus or garlic bread rounds it out beautifully.
Why You’ll Love It
This pasta is the kind of meal that feels a little fancy but takes less than 30 minutes. It’s full of fresh flavors, warm comfort, and those rich little pockets of melted mozzarella. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this caprese-inspired dish hits all the right notes—especially with that sweet balsamic glaze tying it all together.
Ground Chicken Caprese with Farfale Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Boil farfalle in salted water until al dente (about 10–11 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground chicken and cook until lightly browned. Add garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 more minutes.
- Stir in the canned tomato sauce and halved cherry tomatoes. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly and the sauce thickens.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen. If you prefer to just top the pasta with the caprese mixture than thats okay too!
- Turn off heat. Stir in mozzarella pearls and chopped basil. Let the mozzarella soften and melt
- Divide into bowls and drizzle generously with balsamic glaze. Garnish with extra basil.
Notes
Nutrition Info (Per Serving)
Approximate values based on 4 servings:- Calories: 525
- Protein: 33g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 720mg