This Balsamic Chicken Pasta is a quick and tasty dish that brings juicy chicken, pasta, and a tangy balsamic sauce together. It’s like a hug in a bowl!
What I love is how easy it is to whip up on busy nights. Just cook the chicken, mix in the pasta, and stir in that zesty dressing. Delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: I love using penne because its shape holds onto sauces well. If you don’t have penne, feel free to swap in any other pasta like fusilli, rotini, or even whole grain pasta to make it healthier.
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. For a twist, you could use thighs or even grilled chicken. Leftover rotisserie chicken works great too! Just toss it in at the end to warm it up.
Cherry Tomatoes: The burst of sweetness from cherry tomatoes brightens the dish. If they’re out of season, replace them with canned diced tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor.
Balsamic Vinegar: This gives the dish its distinctive tangy taste. If balsamic isn’t on hand, try red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, but start with a smaller amount as they’re more potent.
How Do I Cook Chicken Perfectly in This Recipe?
Cooking chicken just right can be tricky! To achieve juicy, tender pieces, follow these steps:
- Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding oil and chicken.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to get a nice browning.
- Season the chicken before adding it to the skillet—this boosts flavor.
- Cook until golden brown and no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes.
This method keeps your chicken moist and full of flavor in your Balsamic Chicken Pasta!
Balsamic Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (a mix of red and yellow if available)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and cooking the chicken, while the pasta boils away in the background. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t forget to reserve a little pasta water in case you want to adjust the sauce later!
2. Cook Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it is browned and cooked through. Then, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Cook Tomatoes and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Then toss in the cherry tomatoes and cook them, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until they begin to blister and release their juices. This adds a lovely sweetness to our dish!
4. Add Balsamic Vinegar:
Now pour in the balsamic vinegar into the skillet with the blistered tomatoes. Stir it all together and let it reduce slightly for about 2-3 minutes. This will create a delicious, tangy sauce that infuses the chicken and pasta.
5. Combine Pasta and Chicken:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything gently together so that all the ingredients are nicely coated with the balsamic-tomato sauce. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
6. Season and Garnish:
Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped basil over the top for an extra flavor boost!
7. Serve:
Serve the Balsamic Chicken Pasta warm and feel free to add a fresh basil sprig for garnish. Enjoy this vibrant, savory, and slightly tangy dish with your loved ones!
Bon appétit!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can thaw frozen chicken overnight in the fridge or use the quick method by placing it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Once thawed, cut it into bite-sized pieces and proceed with the recipe as usual.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken with your favorite protein substitute, like cubed tofu or tempeh. You can sauté the tofu until golden brown and skip the chicken steps. Also, ensure your pasta is egg-free if you’re aiming for a fully vegetarian dish.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Cool the leftovers down to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it, but keep in mind that the texture of the tomatoes may change after thawing.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to boost the veggie content by adding sautéed spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just make sure to cook these additional vegetables in the skillet along with the tomatoes to ensure they are tender and flavorful.
