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Tomato Basil Pasta with Chicken

Tomato Basil Pasta with Chicken
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Tomato Basil Pasta with Chicken is a fresh and flavorful dish combining tender chicken pieces, ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick, protein-packed weeknight meal that balances ease with elegance.

Ingredients

Protein

  • Chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless) – about 1 lb (450g)

Vegetables & Herbs

  • Fresh tomatoes (plum or cherry) – 2 cups, diced
  • Fresh basil leaves – 1 cup, roughly chopped
  • Garlic cloves – 3 cloves, minced

Pasta

  • Pasta of your choice (spaghetti, penne, or linguine) – 8 oz (225g)

Fats & Oils

  • Olive oil – 2 tablespoons

Dairy

  • Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, grated

Seasonings

  • Salt – to taste
  • Black pepper – to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional) – ¼ teaspoon or to preference

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and dice fresh tomatoes, roughly chop basil leaves, and mince garlic cloves. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
  3. Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Make the Tomato Basil Sauce: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add diced tomatoes and cook until softened and juices release, about 5 minutes. Stir in chopped basil, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
  5. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Return chicken to skillet and add drained pasta. Toss together, adding reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce. Cook for 2 more minutes to let flavors meld.
  6. Serve with a Sprinkle of Cheese: Plate the pasta and top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Use fresh ingredients such as ripe tomatoes and fresh basil for best flavor.
  • Do not overcook chicken; cook until just done to keep it juicy.
  • Reserve pasta water to help create a sauce that clings well to noodles.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to match your preferred spice level.
  • Allow the tomato basil sauce to rest a few minutes before combining to deepen flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tomato basil pasta, chicken pasta, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, gluten free pasta, chicken dinner, fresh basil recipe

Find it online: https://marysplate.com/tomato-basil-pasta-with-chicken/