Description
Succulent chicken dances with ripe tomatoes in this classic Chicken Tomato Pasta, weaving Mediterranean flavors into a comforting meal. Garlic, herbs, and parmesan create a harmonious blend that draws you into a culinary experience packed with warmth and satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 300 grams (10.5 ounces) chicken breast, diced
Pasta and Tomatoes:
- 200 grams (7 ounces) pasta (penne or spaghetti)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions, carefully preserving 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining. Let pasta rest to the side.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Sauté chicken pieces until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer protein to a separate plate.
- In the identical skillet, sauté minced garlic until aromatic, roughly 45-60 seconds. Introduce cherry tomatoes, oregano, chili flakes, and seasonings. Simmer until tomatoes release their juices and slightly collapse, around 4-5 minutes.
- Reintegrate cooked chicken into the tomato mixture. Gently fold in prepared pasta, reserved cooking liquid, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss ingredients until harmoniously combined and evenly coated.
- Scatter freshly torn basil leaves across the surface. Serve piping hot directly from the skillet for maximum flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Pasta water acts as a secret weapon for creating a silky, cohesive sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles.
- Choose high-quality cherry tomatoes for maximum flavor burst and vibrant color in the final dish.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting chili flakes – less for mild palates, more for spice lovers.
- Transform this into a vegetarian option by replacing chicken with grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas for protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 486 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg