Charred Tomato Basil Chicken Florentine Pasta: A Flavor Explosion

Charred Tomato Basil Chicken Florentine Pasta: A Flavor Explosion!

Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game? Look no further than the trending sensation that is Charred Tomato Basil Chicken Florentine Pasta! This dish isn't just a meal; it's an experience, blending smoky charred tomatoes with fragrant basil, tender chicken, and creamy Florentine goodness, all tossed with your favorite pasta. Get ready for a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds singing!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

In a world full of quick fixes, this Charred Tomato Basil Chicken Florentine Pasta stands out for its incredible depth of flavor. The magic truly happens when the cherry tomatoes hit the heat, developing a beautiful char that intensifies their sweetness and adds a smoky dimension. Combined with fresh basil, succulent chicken, and a rich, cheesy Florentine sauce, this pasta dish is both comforting and sophisticated. It's surprisingly easy to make, yet impressive enough for guests, making it a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire.

The Star Ingredients

Before we dive into the cooking, let's appreciate the key players in this delicious drama:

Cherry Tomatoes: The heroes of the char, providing burst of sweetness and smoky notes.
Fresh Basil: Its aromatic peppery-sweetness is non-negotiable for that authentic Florentine taste.
Chicken Breast: Lean protein that soaks up all the incredible flavors.
Spinach: The "Florentine" star, adding a healthy and vibrant touch.
Garlic: Because what's a delicious pasta dish without it?
Heavy Cream & Parmesan: Creating that luxurious, creamy sauce.
Pasta: Your canvas for all these amazing flavors!

Charred Tomato Basil Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe

This recipe is designed to be straightforward and rewarding, ensuring a delicious meal every time.

Yields: 4 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 pint cherry tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
8 oz pasta (penne, farfalle, or fettuccine work well)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
5 oz fresh spinach
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken cubes dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Char the Tomatoes: Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Drizzle the cherry tomatoes with a little olive oil and add them to the hot pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 7-10 minutes, or until the tomatoes burst and develop a beautiful char. Remove the tomatoes from the pan and set aside.
Cook the Pasta: While the tomatoes are charring, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Cook the Chicken: In the same skillet, add the seasoned chicken. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside with the tomatoes.
Build the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add Florentine Elements: Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken and charred tomatoes to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the fresh basil.
Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan and a fresh basil leaf if desired, and enjoy your sensational Charred Tomato Basil Chicken Florentine Pasta!

Tips for Success

Don't Overcrowd the Pan: When charring tomatoes or cooking chicken, give them space in the skillet to ensure even cooking and browning. If your pan is too small, work in batches.
Fresh is Best: While dried basil can be used in a pinch, fresh basil makes a significant difference in flavor for this recipe.
Pasta Water is Gold: That starchy pasta water helps emulsify the sauce, making it silky smooth and ensuring it clings perfectly to the pasta. Don't skip reserving some!
Adjust Seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end. Different broths and cheeses can vary in sodium content.

Conclusion

There you have it – the recipe for a truly unforgettable Charred Tomato Basil Chicken Florentine Pasta! This dish is a testament to how simple, quality ingredients, when treated with care, can create something truly extraordinary. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Dive in and savor every bite of this trending culinary delight!