Heirloom Tomato, Zucchini & Chicken Pasta

Juicy heirloom tomatoes, golden zucchini, and tender chicken make a colorful Italian pasta that celebrates Washington’s late-summer harvest.

  • Total time: 35 min
  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Estimated total cost: $10
  • Calories per serving: 610 cal
  • Stovetop

Ingredients

  • Organic Heirloom Tomatoes
    14 ounces, about 2 medium-large tomatoes $4.43
  • Organic Zucchini Squash
    7 ounces, about 1 medium zucchini $2.77
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
    8 ounces $5.49
  • Casarecce Pasta
    6 ounces $3.03
  • Organic Garlic
    2 cloves $6.99
  • Fresh Basil
    1/4 ounce, about 1/4 cup loosely packed leaves $3.32
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
    2 tablespoons
  • Fine sea salt
    2 tablespoons plus 1/2 teaspoon, divided
  • Black pepper
    1/4 teaspoon

Instructions

  1. Cut 8 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast into thin, bite-size strips. Season with 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Set aside while preparing the vegetables, then wash your hands and clean the cutting surface.

  2. Core and cut 14 ounces heirloom tomatoes into 1/2-inch pieces, keeping their juices. Trim 7 ounces zucchini, halve lengthwise, and slice into 1/4-inch half-moons.

  3. Thinly slice 2 garlic cloves. Tear 1/4 ounce basil leaves, keeping a few small leaves whole for plating.

  4. Bring 1.5 liters water to a boil in a medium pot. Add 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons fine sea salt, then 6 ounces casarecce. Cook to just shy of al dente according to the package timing, stirring frequently. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup pasta water. Cook the skillet components while the pasta boils.

  5. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly golden and the thickest pieces reach 165°F. Transfer to a clean plate.

  6. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Add the prepared zucchini and cook for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden in spots. Stir in the sliced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

  7. Add the prepared tomatoes with their juices and 1 teaspoon fine sea salt. Cook over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften into a juicy sauce but retain some texture.

  8. Add the drained pasta and cooked chicken with its collected juices to the skillet. Toss over medium heat for 1–2 minutes, adding reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time only if needed to loosen the sauce. Remove from the heat and fold in the torn basil.

  9. Divide between two shallow bowls, distributing the chicken and vegetables evenly. Finish with the reserved whole basil leaves and serve immediately.

Drink pairing: A crisp Pinot Grigio complements the sweet tomatoes, basil, and lightly browned zucchini.