Herb-Roasted Chicken and Cherry Tomato Pasta
Tender herb-roasted chicken and sun-dried cherry tomatoes mingle with al dente pasta in a vibrant, garlicky sauce. A quick weeknight meal with a touch of Italian elegance. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian-friendly) ready in about 50 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breast, cherry tomatoes, chopped basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 (6 oz each) chicken breast
- 12 oz cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped basil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Season chicken breasts with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and half the basil. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and roast for 20-22 minutes until golden and juices run clear.
- Step 2: While chicken roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add spaghetti and cook for 8-9 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 3: Heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add cherry tomatoes, remaining basil, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until tomatoes burst and release their juices — add 1/4 cup reserved pasta water if needed.
- Step 4: Slice roasted chicken into 1/2-inch strips. Toss with pasta, tomato mixture, and 1/4 tsp salt. Stir in Parmesan and 1 tbsp reserved pasta water to create a glossy sauce. Garnish with extra basil before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Roasted Chicken and Cherry Tomato Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Herb-Roasted Chicken and Cherry Tomato Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) chicken breast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Roasted Chicken and Cherry Tomato Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Herb-Roasted Chicken and Cherry Tomato Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Herb-Roasted Chicken and Cherry Tomato Pasta vegetarian-friendly?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian-friendly based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
