🍅 Chicken Pomodoro

Chicken Pomodoro is a light, rustic Italian dish made with pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a fresh tomato, garlic, and basil sauce. It’s quick, healthy, and perfect over pasta or with crusty bread!

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🍅 Chicken Pomodoro

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

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📝 Ingredients:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1½ cups diced fresh tomatoes)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup chicken broth or white wine
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
• Cooked pasta, rice, or bread, for serving

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👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Stir in tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring, until tomatoes burst and become saucy.
4. Add broth (or wine) and tomato paste. Simmer 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Return chicken to the pan. Spoon sauce over it and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Stir in fresh basil, adjust seasoning, and serve hot. Top with Parmesan if desired.

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✅ Tips:

• Use canned San Marzano tomatoes if fresh tomatoes aren’t available.
• Add spinach or zucchini for extra veggies.
• Great served over angel hair pasta or with toasted focaccia.

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🔄 Chicken Pomodoro Variations:

1. Creamy Pomodoro: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or a spoonful of mascarpone at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
2. Spicy Pomodoro: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of Calabrian chili paste for heat lovers.
3. Vegetable Boost: Add zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers when cooking the tomatoes for extra nutrition.
4. Mozzarella Melt: Top the cooked chicken with fresh mozzarella slices before simmering for a melty, cheesy finish.
5. Grilled Chicken Pomodoro: Use grilled chicken breasts for a smoky, summery variation.
6. Low Carb Version: Serve over zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or cauliflower rice.

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🍽️ What to Serve With Chicken Pomodoro:

Starches / Carbs:

• Angel hair or spaghetti
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Parmesan risotto
• Crusty Italian bread or focaccia

Vegetables / Sides:

• Roasted asparagus or broccolini
• Caprese salad or arugula salad with balsamic
• Sautéed green beans or spinach
• Grilled or roasted zucchini

Drinks:

• Crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
• Sparkling water with lemon

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