This Easy Cherry Tomato Pasta with Chicken is a quick and tasty dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight! Juicy cherry tomatoes and tender chicken come together with pasta for a satisfying meal.
You can whip this up in no time, and it makes your kitchen smell amazing! I love adding some fresh basil on top—it brings the whole dish to life! 🍅🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I usually go for penne or spaghetti since they’re great for holding sauce. If you’re gluten-free, you can use rice pasta or chickpea pasta for a delicious alternative.
Cherry Tomatoes: These little gems are sweet and juicy. If you can’t find them, any other small tomato will work, or even canned diced tomatoes in a pinch. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you could use chicken thighs for more flavor, or even swap in cooked shrimp for a quicker dish.
Basil: Fresh basil adds amazing flavor. If you’re out, you can use dried basil (about a teaspoon) or replace it with fresh parsley or spinach for a different taste.
How Do You Cook Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but it’s simple when you follow these steps for juicy, tender pieces.
- Make sure the chicken pieces are evenly sized. This helps them cook at the same rate. Aim for bite-sized chunks.
- Season well with salt and pepper before cooking. It enhances the flavor!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. This ensures even cooking and helps the chicken get a nice brown color.
- Cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes, and avoid stirring constantly. Let them sear a bit to develop that lovely color!
- Always check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken every time!
Easy Cherry Tomato Pasta with Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pasta cooking water reserved
- Optional: fresh basil leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish can be whipped up in about 25 minutes! You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and then about 15 minutes cooking. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Just before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of that pasta cooking water—this will help with the sauce later. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, and then add them to the skillet. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through—about 6 to 8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). SautĂ© for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant. Next, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and release their juices—this should take around 5 minutes.
4. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to bring everything back together! Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the tomatoes and stir. Then, add the drained pasta along with the reserved pasta water and the chopped basil. Toss everything together to combine and heat through for another 1 to 2 minutes.
5. Add the Finishing Touches:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until everything is nicely coated in cheesy goodness. If you’d like, sprinkle some additional fresh basil leaves on top for garnish before serving.
Enjoy your flavorful and easy cherry tomato pasta with chicken!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta adds extra fiber and nutrients, while gluten-free pasta options like rice or chickpea pasta work well too. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package for the best results.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or olive oil if needed to revive the sauce.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the skillet when cooking the tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly so everything stays tender.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Basil?
No worries! If you’re out of fresh basil, you can use dried basil (about 1 teaspoon) as a substitute. Alternatively, fresh parsley or even arugula can provide a lovely flavor, just be mindful of the different taste profiles!
