Italian Chicken Pasta Toss

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this vibrant and flavorful Italian Chicken Pasta Toss! Juicy, golden-browned chicken breasts are paired with tender pasta, sweet cherry tomatoes, and aromatic garlic, all tied together with a hint of Italian seasoning and a touch of fresh basil. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds the perfect finishing touch, while a splash of reserved pasta water creates a silky, restaurant-quality sauce. This quick and easy recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights. Whether you're craving a comforting classic or a dish that feels gourmet, this one-pan, family-friendly meal is a perfect choice. Serve it up hot and watch it disappear! Keywords: Italian Chicken Pasta, pasta toss recipe, quick Italian dinner, easy chicken and pasta recipes.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 12 ounces pasta (e.g., penne or spaghetti)
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 cup pasta cooking water, reserved

Directions

Step 1

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.

Step 3

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.

Step 4

In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

Step 5

Add the cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper (and red pepper flakes if using) to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.

Step 6

Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips.

Step 7

Add the drained pasta, chicken strips, chopped basil, and reserved pasta water to the skillet with the tomatoes. Toss everything together and cook for 2-3 minutes to combine and heat through.

Step 8

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the dish and toss again. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Step 9

Serve hot, garnished with extra basil and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1253.9 grams (1253.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1617

Total Fat 56.40g	72%
Saturated Fat 16.30g	82%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 336mg	112%
Sodium 3323mg	144%
Total Carbohydrate 124.40g	45%
Dietary Fiber 11.90g	43%
Total Sugars 10.50g
Protein 148.70g	297%

Vitamin D 4IU	18%
Calcium 625mg	48%
Iron 11mg	59%
Potassium 1944mg	41%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.7%

Protein: 37.2%

Carbs: 31.1%