Cherry Tomato & Chicken Pasta

recipe

• Step 1
  Peel & thinly slice the garlic.
• Step 2
  Thinly slice the basil.
• Step 3
  In a pot of salted, boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Reserve some pasta water & set to the side. Strain the spaghetti.
• Step 4
  Heat a drizzle of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken & season with salt & pepper. Cook undisturbed for 5-8 min. Flip & cook for an additional 5-8 min or until the chicken is fully cooked through. Transfer to a cutting board.
• Step 5
  Lower the heat to medium-low. In the same pan, add an additional drizzle of olive oil. Add the garlic & sauté for 2 min.
• Step 6
  Wash the cherry tomatoes & add them to the pan. Cook for 5-7 min until they begin to soften. Lightly mash them with the back of a spoon or spatula to release their juices. Season with salt & pepper.
• Step 7
  In the pan with the tomatoes, add in the reserved pasta water, drained pasta & grated parmesan cheese. Stir to combine. Cook for 3-4 min until a light sauce forms.
• Step 8
  Top the pasta with basil & stir. Remove the pan from the heat.
• Step 9
  Slice the chicken, add it to the pasta. Serve, garnished with additional basil & parmesan cheese. Enjoy!