Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked angel hair pasta, adorned with tender chicken, burst cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil - a dish so irresistible it'll make your taste buds dance with joy! This isn't just another pasta recipe; it's a quick, elegant meal that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience in just 35 minutes. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking to impress, or simply craving a delightful Italian-inspired dinner, Courtney's Angel Hair Pasta and Chicken is about to become your new favorite go-to recipe.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz angel hair pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of angel hair pasta, 2 cooked chicken breasts (sliced), 2 tbsp of olive oil, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the angel hair pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet with the garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are softened and start to release their juices.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the tomatoes and garlic.
- Gently toss the pasta in the skillet to combine with the tomatoes and garlic. If the mixture seems dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Add the sliced cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, tossing everything together until the chicken is heated through and well combined with the pasta and tomatoes.
- Stir in the chopped fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure the basil is evenly distributed throughout the dish.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a minute to allow the flavors to meld. Serve the pasta warm, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea to enhance the pasta's flavor from within.
- Reserve pasta water before draining; its starchy goodness helps create a silky, clingy sauce.
- Use fresh basil if possible - it makes a world of difference in flavor compared to dried herbs.
- Cook garlic quickly to avoid burning, which can make it bitter.
- For extra flavor, consider lightly seasoning your chicken with Italian herbs before cooking.
- If you want a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese at the end.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture - angel hair pasta can become mushy if left sitting too long.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 75mg
