Ingredients
Scale
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients—fresh, ripe tomatoes and quality chicken make all the difference. I always recommend using vine-ripened tomatoes if you can find them, as their natural sweetness really shines through. When it comes to pasta, penne or rigatoni work beautifully, holding onto the sauce between their curves. And don’t skip the fresh basil—it’s that herbal note that pulls everything together and evokes those sunny afternoons in my mum’s kitchen.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 8 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for added depth)
Instructions
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn it.
- Add the halved tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Let them cook down gently for 5-7 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.
- Stir in the balsamic vinegar if using, then add the sliced chicken back to the pan along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Off the heat, stir in the fresh basil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the top before serving for that extra touch of richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
