20-Minute Pasta
If you’re anything like me, your days can get pretty hectic, leaving little time for elaborate meal preparations. That’s why I’m excited to share this quick and delightful cherry tomato and chicken pasta recipe that comes together in just 20 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is not only fast but also packed with flavor, making it a go-to favorite for anyone looking to whip up something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into the recipe, the ingredients you'll need, and some helpful tips that will make this meal even more enjoyable!
Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe:
Quick and Easy: In just 20 minutes, you can have a flavorful meal on the table, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
Packed with Flavor: The combination of sautéed cherry tomatoes, garlic, and white wine creates a deliciously rich sauce that elevates your pasta dish.
Customizable: Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or your favorite protein, and add in any seasonal vegetables you have on hand.
Comforting and Satisfying: With creamy sauce and tender pasta, this dish is both comforting and filling, perfect for satisfying hunger after a long day.
Helpful Tips:
Prep Ahead: To save even more time, chop your vegetables and chicken in advance. This allows you to throw everything together quickly when you’re ready to cook.
Use a Good Quality Wine: The flavor of the wine will impact the sauce, so choose a white wine you enjoy drinking. If you prefer not to use wine, consider using vegetable or chicken broth for a similar effect.
Experiment with Cheese: Top your pasta with freshly grated Parmesan or crumbled feta for added flavor and creaminess.
Add Fresh Herbs: For an extra burst of freshness, finish the dish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Ingredients You'll Need:
Cherry Tomatoes: These sweet little gems add vibrant flavor and color to the dish. Their juiciness brings a fresh taste that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
Diced Onion: Onions provide a savory base for the sauce, adding depth and sweetness as they soften and caramelize.
Minced Garlic: A must-have for any delicious pasta dish, garlic adds an aromatic punch that enhances the overall flavor profile.
White Wine: This ingredient not only helps to deglaze the pan but also adds acidity and complexity to the sauce. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, you can substitute with extra chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice.
Chicken Breast: Lean and versatile, chicken breast is the protein star of this dish. It’s simple to season and cooks quickly, making it ideal for a quick meal.
Seasonings: For a burst of flavor, you’ll need onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. These spices create a delicious crust on the chicken and enhance the overall dish.
Farfalle Pasta: This fun, bow-tie shaped pasta is perfect for catching all the delicious sauce. Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer!
Heavy Cream or Milk: Adding cream or lactose-free milk (if you're lactose intolerant like me) creates a rich and creamy sauce that beautifully coats the pasta.
Fresh Spinach: This leafy green adds a pop of color and a boost of nutrients. It wilts quickly in the sauce, making it an easy way to incorporate veggies.
Olive Oil: A generous drizzle of olive oil adds richness and flavor to the dish.
Red Chili Flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, a sprinkle of red chili flakes on top adds the perfect finishing touch.
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Veggies: Start by slicing up a handful of cherry tomatoes and dicing an onion. In a hot pan, add a splash of olive oil and toss in the diced onion and cherry tomatoes. Sauté until the tomatoes start to soften and the onions become translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step builds the base of your sauce and releases the sweetness of the tomatoes.
2. Add Garlic and Deglaze: Once the onions and tomatoes are softened, add minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Next, pour in a splash of white wine, allowing it to reduce and concentrate the flavors. This step not only adds depth to the sauce but also helps to deglaze the pan, lifting any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
3. Season and Sear the Chicken: While the sauce is simmering, take your chicken breast and season it generously with onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. These spices will add a delicious layer of flavor to the chicken. In a separate hot pan, sear the seasoned chicken until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Once cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest before slicing.
4. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the farfalle pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining, as you’ll use it to help create a velvety sauce.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce: In the pan with your sautéed vegetables, lower the heat and stir in some heavy cream (or lactose-free milk). Gradually add in some of the reserved pasta water to create an emulsion, which will help the sauce cling to the pasta beautifully. Add in a handful of fresh spinach, letting it wilt down into the creamy mixture.
6. Combine Everything: Once the pasta is cooked, add it directly to the sauce, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated. Cut the seared chicken into slices and add it to the pan, giving everything a gentle mix. Drizzle with olive oil for added richness.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your delicious cherry tomato and chicken pasta warm, topped with a generous sprinkle of red chili flakes for an extra kick. This dish is perfect for those busy nights when you want something quick yet satisfying!
