A fresh, comforting pasta with juicy chicken, sweet blistered cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, and a light silky sauce.
Servings
4 servings
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta
- fettuccine, spaghetti, penne, or linguine work well
- Water for boiling
- 1 tbsp salt for pasta water
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small thighs)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- ½ cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
- ½ cup unsweetened plant cream or dairy cream
(optional for a creamier version) - ½ cup grated parmesan or vegan parmesan alternative
- 1 packed cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1 tbsp butter or vegan butter (optional for richness)
- Extra salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Mozzarella pearls
- Roasted zucchini
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
Before draining, reserve:
- 1 cup pasta water
Drain pasta and set aside.
2. Season the Chicken
Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
Season both sides with:
- salt
- pepper
- Italian seasoning
- paprika
This helps create a flavorful crust.
3. Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook:
- 5–7 minutes per side
- until golden brown and fully cooked
Internal temperature should reach:
165∘F
Remove chicken from pan and let rest for 5 minutes.
Slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
4. Make the Garlic Tomato Base
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
Add:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- minced garlic
Cook about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add cherry tomatoes and chili flakes.
Cook 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until:
- tomatoes soften
- some burst naturally
- juices form a light sauce
Season lightly with salt and pepper.
5. Build the Sauce
Add:
- chicken broth or pasta water
Simmer 2 minutes.
For creamy pasta:
- stir in cream
- add parmesan gradually
Mix until smooth and lightly thickened.
Add butter if using.
6. Combine Everything
Add cooked pasta to skillet.
Toss well to coat.
If sauce feels thick:
- add reserved pasta water a little at a time
Fold in:
- sliced chicken
- fresh basil
Cook 1 additional minute so flavors combine.
Serving Suggestions
Top with:
- extra basil
- parmesan
- cracked black pepper
- chili flakes
- lemon zest
Serve with:
- garlic bread
- roasted vegetables
- green salad
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth.
