OLIVE GARDEN CHICKEN CAPRESE

Steps:

• Tomatoes and Basil Preparation:.
• Core and cut Roma (plum) tomatoes into 1-inch pieces. Chef's Note: To preserve juices and seeds, use a paring knife to remove just the top of the core on each tomato.
• Cut basil leaves into 1-inch pieces (no stems).
• Combine Roma tomatoes, basil, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of minced garlic, 1½ teaspoons of Italian seasoning and 1½ teaspoons of salt in a large bowl and blend thoroughly.
• Cover, set aside and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
• Chicken Preparation:.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Coat a large, non-stick skillet with vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat.
• Combine 1½ cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of salt, black pepper and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning in a shallow dish.
• Dredge chicken in the mixture, shaking off any excess.
• Place chicken in skillet and sauté for about two minutes on each side, or until just golden brown. If skillet is not large enough, sauté the chicken in batches.
• When finished, transfer chicken to a large baking dish and place in oven to cook for approximately 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Pasta Preparation:.
• Cook pasta according to package directions.
• Drain and set aside until needed.
• Sauce Preparation:.
• While pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a medium sauce pan over medium heat.
• Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute. Do not brown.
• Slowly add 1 tablespoon of flour and stir to combine.
• Add white wine and bring to a boil. Boil for approximately 1 minute.
• Remove marinated tomato and basil mixture from refrigerator. Drain tomatoes and basil from liquid and set aside until needed. Add ½ cup of the marinade liquid and sauté for approximately 1 minute.
• Add heavy cream. Lower heat and bring to a simmer.
• Add grated Parmesan cheese.
• Assembling Chicken Caprese:.
• Preheat broiler.
• Remove chicken from baking dish and set aside until needed.
• Transfer pasta to baking dish and partly coat with sauce.
• Pour desired amount of the remaining sauce on pasta and evenly distribute tomatoes and basil over pasta.
• Place chicken on top of pasta.
• Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over chicken.
• Place baking dish under broiler for approximately 2-3 minutes or until mozzarella cheese has melted.