Charred Tomato Basil Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe: Zesty Magic

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this charred tomato basil chicken florentine pasta that combines robust flavors and fresh ingredients.

Juicy chicken and perfectly seared tomatoes create a mouthwatering melody of taste.

Creamy spinach blends seamlessly with tender pasta, making each bite a delightful experience.

The recipe brings together classic Italian elements with a modern twist.

Simple techniques transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the entire dish.

You’ll savor every forkful of this comforting and elegant pasta that promises to become a new family favorite.

Tomato Basil Florentine Pasta Perks

• Speed Up Weeknight Cooking: This recipe transforms complex flavors into a quick, delightful meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout, perfect for busy home cooks craving something extraordinary.
• Texture Party in Every Bite: Crispy prosciutto breadcrumbs, charred tomatoes, and creamy sauce create a symphony of textures that dance across your palate, making each forkful exciting and memorable.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Easily swap ingredients like chicken for shrimp or swap spinach for kale, making this recipe adaptable to personal preferences and pantry availability while maintaining its delicious core.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup with a streamlined cooking process that builds layers of flavor in the same pan, reducing dishes and maximizing taste without complicated techniques.

Tomato Florentine Pasta Essentials

• Chicken: Protein that serves as the main element of the dish.
• Pasta: Core base that carries the flavors of the recipe.
• Spinach: Fresh green ingredient that adds nutrition and color to the dish.

• Butter, Mozzarella, Parmesan: Creamy ingredients that create rich texture and enhance overall flavor profile.
• Milk: Liquid component that helps create smooth and creamy sauce.

• Tomatoes, Basil, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that provide depth and freshness to the pasta.
• Prosciutto, Pistachios, Bread, Herbs: Ingredients used to create crunchy breadcrumb topping with complex flavor.
• Wine, Salt, Pepper, Chili Flakes: Seasonings that balance and elevate the dish's taste.

• Olive Oil: Cooking medium that helps prevent sticking and adds subtle flavor.

Tomato Basil Pasta Easy Steps

Step 1: Prepare Crispy Prosciutto Breadcrumbs

Spread butter, bread, and prosciutto on a baking sheet.

Bake until the bread is golden and the prosciutto is crisp.

Transfer to a food processor with pistachios and fresh herbs.

Season with salt and pulse into fine crumbs, or crumble by hand if preferred.

Step 2: Create Perfectly Seared Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet.

Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook over medium heat until golden and fully cooked.

Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Blister Juicy Tomatoes

In the same skillet, melt butter and add tomatoes.

Cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes develop charred spots.

Season with salt and pepper, then remove from the skillet.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Spinach Sauce

Brown butter in the skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.

Add wine and simmer briefly.

Stir in milk, parmesan, and spinach, mixing until the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Add pasta and chicken, seasoning with salt, pepper, and chili flakes.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Fold in mozzarella, charred tomatoes, and fresh basil.

Remove from heat and plate the pasta.

Sprinkle with crispy prosciutto breadcrumbs and extra basil for a beautiful finish.

Pro Tips for Florentine Pasta

• Use oven-baking to create crispy, golden breadcrumbs that add delightful crunch and texture to your pasta dish.
• Cook tomatoes on high heat for exactly 4 minutes to achieve beautiful blistering without burning, releasing their sweet, intense flavor.
• Cook chicken on medium heat and remove immediately after it's done to maintain moisture and prevent tough, rubbery texture.
• Brown butter slightly before adding wine and milk to develop rich, nutty undertones that enhance the overall sauce depth.
• Sprinkle chili flakes sparingly to add subtle heat without overwhelming the delicate basil and tomato notes in the pasta.

Tomato Florentine Pasta Variations

• Vegetarian Pasta Swap: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or roasted chickpeas for a protein-packed plant-based version that maintains the dish's rich flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal to keep the crunchy topping texture.
• Mediterranean Remix: Swap prosciutto with kalamata olives and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired variation that brings tangy Mediterranean notes to the classic recipe.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, maintaining the creamy sauce and herb-packed breadcrumb topping while reducing carbohydrate content.

Serving Florentine Pasta Bowls

• Fresh Garnish Extravaganza: Sprinkle crispy prosciutto crumbs and fresh basil leaves over the pasta for a burst of color and crunch that elevates the entire dish.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Add extra shredded parmesan or mozzarella on top for a melty, gooey finish that complements the charred tomatoes and creamy sauce.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the rich, creamy pasta and enhance the tomato's sweetness.
• Side Salad Companion: Pair with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness and provide a fresh, peppery contrast to the hearty pasta.

Storage for Florentine Pasta Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Transfer pasta to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dishes with fresh basil, as it will wilt and lose flavor.
• Place pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir gently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. This method helps prevent drying out and maintains the creamy texture.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the breadcrumb topping unique?

The breadcrumb topping combines crispy prosciutto, toasted bread, pistachios, and fresh herbs, creating a crunchy and flavorful garnish that adds texture and depth to the pasta dish.

• How do the tomatoes contribute to the recipe's flavor profile?

By charring the tomatoes in a skillet, they develop a smoky, caramelized flavor that adds complexity and brightness to the creamy pasta, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• Why is the cooking technique of browning butter important in this recipe?

Browning butter creates a nutty, rich flavor that elevates the garlic and adds a deeper, more complex taste to the sauce, giving the pasta a more sophisticated and restaurant-quality taste.

Charred Tomato Basil Chicken Florentine Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling charred tomato basil chicken florentine pasta delivers Mediterranean magic on a plate. Fresh herbs and caramelized tomatoes create a sensory journey that will transport passionate cooks to an Italian kitchen with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1/2 pound chicken breasts (diced)
• 2 ounces prosciutto

Pasta and Base:

• 1 pound linguine or other long cut pasta
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella
• 2 cups baby spinach (chopped)

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 10 tablespoons salted butter
• 3 cups cherry tomatoes
• 4 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 4 slices sourdough bread (torn)
• 1/4 cup pistachios
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped herbs (oregano, rosemary, thyme)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup fresh basil (torn)
• kosher salt
• black pepper
• chili flakes

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Instructions

1. Craft a savory crumb mixture by toasting bread and prosciutto in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until crisp. Combine toasted ingredients with pistachios and herbs in a food processor, pulsing into fine, seasoned breadcrumbs.
2. Season chicken and sauté in olive oil over medium heat for 5 minutes until fully cooked. Transfer chicken from skillet and reserve.
3. Char tomatoes in the same skillet with butter for 4 minutes, rotating midway to ensure even blistering. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
4. Brown butter with garlic for 1 minute, then deglaze with wine. Simmer briefly, then incorporate milk, parmesan, and spinach, creating a creamy sauce. Add pasta and reserved chicken, seasoning with salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
5. Fold in mozzarella, roasted tomatoes, and fresh basil. Plate the pasta, garnishing each serving with prepared breadcrumbs and additional basil leaves.

Notes

• Toast bread and prosciutto carefully to achieve the perfect crispy texture without burning, ensuring a delightful crunch in the breadcrumb topping.
• Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best charred flavor, which intensifies the overall taste of the dish and adds a smoky depth.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta, and use gluten-free bread for the breadcrumbs.
• Consider reducing the butter quantity for a lighter version, or swap with olive oil to cut down on saturated fats while maintaining the dish’s rich flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg