Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this irresistible Chicken and Pasta in Garlic and Tomato recipe! Imagine tender, perfectly sautéed chicken nestled among al dente pasta, kissed by the vibrant flavors of fresh cherry tomatoes and aromatic garlic. This Italian-inspired dish is not just a meal – it's a quick, easy, and absolutely delicious journey that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 diced chicken breasts, 8 oz of pasta, 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 8 oz of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
- 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 diced chicken breasts.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can become bitter.
- Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.
- Check the pasta; once it's done, drain it in a colander and reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the chicken and tomato mixture. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to help combine the ingredients and create a light sauce.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring gently to ensure the pasta is well coated with the garlic and tomato sauce.
- Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- For the most flavorful chicken, pat the diced pieces dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure a perfect golden sear.
- Don't rush the garlic! Sauté it gently to release its flavor without burning, which can make it bitter.
- Save some pasta water before draining – its starchy goodness helps create a silky, clingy sauce that coats every single piece of pasta.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving.
- Use high-quality olive oil and fresh garlic for the most authentic and rich flavor profile.
- If you want to make the dish even more luxurious, add a splash of white wine when cooking the chicken or sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- For a lighter version, you can use whole wheat pasta or substitute chicken with grilled tofu for a vegetarian alternative.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 383kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 55mg
