Italian Chicken Pasta

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 8 oz (225g) penne or your favorite pasta
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook Pasta:
   • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
2. Season Chicken:
   • Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
3. Sauté Chicken:
   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté Aromatics:
   • In the same skillet, add minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add Crushed Tomatoes:
   • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Combine Cooked Chicken:
   • Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, along with cherry tomatoes and sliced black olives. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. Toss with Pasta:
   • Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat the pasta in the sauce.
8. Add Fresh Basil and Parmesan:
   • Stir in fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. If desired, add heavy cream for a creamier sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
9. Adjust Seasoning:
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
10. Garnish and Serve:
    • Garnish the Italian chicken pasta with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
11. Enjoy:
    • Enjoy this flavorful and comforting Italian chicken pasta with your favorite glass of wine or a side salad!

Note: Customize the recipe by adding other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for additional color and nutrition. Adjust the level of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.