Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and simplicity? Look no further than this One Pan Spicy Lemon Chicken Pasta with Tomatoes! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a vibrant Italian meal that combines succulent chicken, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lemon kick—all in one pan! Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this recipe is not only quick but also a feast for the eyes and palate. Dive into the details below and discover how to create this mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by dicing chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, halving cherry tomatoes, mincing garlic, and zesting and juicing the lemon.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Season diced chicken with salt and pepper.
- Add chicken to the hot pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and nearly cooked through.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add uncooked pasta and cherry tomatoes to the skillet, then pour in enough water to just cover the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until pasta is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice, coating all ingredients evenly.
- Let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot directly from the pan.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prep your ingredients in advance. Dice the chicken, halve the tomatoes, and mince the garlic the night before, so you can just throw everything together when you're ready to cook.
- Pasta Choice: While this recipe works beautifully with your favorite pasta, consider using whole wheat or gluten-free options for a healthier twist.
- Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes. Conversely, if you love heat, feel free to add more or even a dash of hot sauce!
- Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and zest, and opt for ripe cherry tomatoes. Fresh basil as a garnish adds a fragrant touch that elevates the dish.
- Resting Time: Allowing the pasta to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps the sauce thicken and cling to the pasta better, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
- Serve Family Style: Serve this dish directly from the pan for a rustic presentation that invites everyone to dig in. It’s perfect for sharing!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 95mg
