I’ve got a confession—kale wasn’t always my favorite. But, oh, how things change! This Garlic Parmesan Kale Pasta is like a hug on a plate, and honestly, who could resist?
It’s a quick fix that transforms humble ingredients into pure magic. Whether you’re a kale enthusiast or a skeptic like I was, this dish might just change your mind.
Steps
- Prepare the chicken marinade by combining olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and freshly cracked pepper in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Mix the ingredients well.
- If using large chicken breasts, cut them into thinner pieces to enhance flavor absorption and ensure even cooking. Place the chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours.
- To cook the chicken, heat a skillet over medium heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and cook each piece until both sides are browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure proper browning.
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest on a cutting board for five minutes before slicing. Discard any remaining marinade.
- Using the same skillet, add a pint of cherry tomatoes and cook over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the tomato skins blister, burst, and the tomatoes soften.
- Assemble the meal by placing Garlic Parmesan Kale Pasta at the base, then topping with the sliced Garlic Marinated Chicken and Blistered Tomatoes. Enjoy your meal prep!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Freshly cracked pepper
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
FAQ
- How can I make the Garlic Marinated Chicken more flavorful?
- To enhance the flavor of the Garlic Marinated Chicken, ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade and allow it to marinate for a longer period, ideally up to 8 hours in the refrigerator. This will give the chicken more time to absorb the flavors.
- What is the best way to blister tomatoes for this recipe?
- To blister the tomatoes, use the same skillet in which the chicken was cooked to take advantage of the residual flavors. Add the cherry tomatoes to the hot skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the skins blister and burst.
- Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts in this recipe?
- Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Both cuts work well, but be sure to adjust the cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.
- Is it possible to prepare the Garlic Parmesan Kale Pasta in advance?
- Absolutely! The Garlic Parmesan Kale Pasta can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping, as you can assemble the dish with the marinated chicken and blistered tomatoes whenever you’re ready.
- What can I do to prevent the chicken from overcrowding in the skillet?
- To avoid overcrowding, cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lead to pooling juices, which prevents proper browning. Cooking two pieces at a time is recommended for optimal results.
Tips
- Maximize Marinade Flavor: For a more flavorful chicken, filet each chicken breast into thinner pieces. This not only helps the marinade to penetrate better but also ensures the chicken cooks faster and more evenly in the skillet.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Skillet: When cooking the chicken, cook only two pieces at a time. Overcrowding can cause juices to pool in the skillet, preventing the chicken from browning properly.
- Utilize Residual Flavors: After cooking the chicken, use the same skillet to blister the tomatoes. The residual oil and flavors from the chicken will enhance the taste of the tomatoes.
- Rest the Chicken Before Slicing: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for about five minutes before slicing it. This helps retain the juices, ensuring the chicken remains moist and flavorful.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – A high-quality large skillet is essential for cooking the chicken and blistering the tomatoes.
- Glass Meal Prep Containers – Useful for portioning and storing the meal prep servings.
- Zip Top Bags – For marinating the chicken, if you don’t already have them at home.
