For a lighter take on pasta, try this whole grain pasta dish with roasted tomatoes, chicken and mozzarella.
Serves: 4 For a lighter take on pasta, try this whole grain pasta dish with roasted tomatoes, chicken and mozzarella.INGREDIENTS
2 pints cherry tomatoes
3 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
salt and pepper
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½-inch pieces
1 pound whole grain spaghetti
8 ounces smoked mozzarella
¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 cup fresh basil
INSTRUCTIONS
Pre-heat the oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Finely chop the garlic and add it along with the tomatoes to the baking sheet. Add a few sprigs of basil and toss with one tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and roast until tomatoes have softened and started to brown 15 to 20 minutes.
Meanwhile heat a skillet over medium heat and add the remaining tablespoon olive oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook until browned on both sides and cook through, about 8 minutes.
Add the roasted tomatoes to the chicken and cook for 2 minutes.
Cook pasta according to package directions reserving one cup of pasta water before draining.
Add the pasta to the tomato mixture along with ¼ cup of the reserved cooking water and cook until the sauce is slightly thickened, adding more water if necessary to coat the pasta well.
Cut the mozzarella into ¼-inch cubes and add to the pasta. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese has melted slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Roll the basil leaves tightly together and then thinly slice crosswise. To serve sprinkle with the parmesan cheese and the basil.
