Tomato-Basil Spaghetti & Seared Chicken

For me, there is nothing more romantic than a pasta dinner. For Valentine's Day I have this classic recipe for a couple's most romantic night of the year, however, you can make it for any spontaneous romantic night! I went to Italy a few years ago and obviously at every restaurant, pasta rules the menu compared to any other ingredient. One popular dish throughout Rome was Tomato Basil Spaghetti. It was delicious and surprisingly it was a very simple red sauce with spaghetti; the pasta was not over-sauced, it was just enough to coat the pasta but not for it to be swimming in it. This recipe is similar to that idea. The sauce this recipe makes is enough to cover the chicken and whatever pasta you choose to pair it with and nothing more. The basil enhances the rich taste of the tomatoes and the seared chicken remains moist and juicy. This is a great recipe to cook with your significant other which makes the meal that much more delicious! I hope you enjoy this meal whether you make it for the love of your life, for your friends, for your family or even for yourself. Buon Appetito!

Recipe:
3 chicken breasts, butterflied
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3 tablespoons red wine
4 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup chicken stock
1-2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1. Butterfly the chicken breast and season with salt and pepper on each side. In a large skillet, heat the oil on medium-heat heat. Let the pan get very hot to create a nice sear on the chicken. Cook in batches for better browning and cook about 5 minutes per side. When all pieces are browned add them all back in to the pan.

2. Add the tomatoes, basil, garlic and tomato paste. Lower the temperature to medium and add the wine to deglaze the pan as well as to start the sauce. Cook everything together for about 3 minutes, adding small splashes of wine if needed.

3. Add the butter, let it melt then add the stock. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and bring the sauce to a boil. Lower the boil to a simmer. Simmer for about 5 minutes then turn off the heat. Serve and enjoy!