This Balsamic Chicken Pasta is a yummy dish! Juicy chicken is cooked with a tangy balsamic sauce and tossed with pasta for a delightful meal. Quick and tasty, it’s perfect for busy nights!
I love how the flavors come together so well. Plus, it’s an easy way to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Just add a sprinkle of cheese, and you’re golden! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This pasta holds sauce well, making it a fantastic choice. If you don’t have penne, feel free to use rotini, farfalle, or even gluten-free pasta for a change.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep the dish light, but thighs can add more flavor and moisture. If you’re vegetarian, tofu or chickpeas work great as alternatives.
Balsamic Vinegar: A key flavor! If it’s unavailable, red or white wine vinegar can be a substitute, though some sweetness might be lost. Adding a touch of honey can help balance that out.
Cherry Tomatoes: These burst with flavor and sweetness. If you can’t find them, diced canned tomatoes or regular tomatoes chopped into pieces can be a good substitute.
Fresh Basil: Enhances the dish with freshness! If fresh isn’t available, dried basil can work, but use about 1/3 of the amount since dried is more potent.
How Do I Get the Chicken Just Right?
Cooking the chicken evenly is crucial for a delicious meal. Here’s how to ensure it doesn’t dry out:
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy flavor absorption.
- Make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken; this helps achieve a nice sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer! When it reaches 165°F, it’s perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have juicy chicken to complement your flavorful pasta!
Balsamic Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced black olives
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or pasta cooking water
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Total Time Needed:
This delicious Balsamic Chicken Pasta takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend roughly 15 minutes cooking the pasta and chicken, and another 15 minutes bringing everything together with those tasty flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, but remember to reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water for later!
2. Sauté the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. After that, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Veggies:
Using the same skillet (this will keep all those lovely flavors), add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced garlic, cherry tomatoes, and black olives. Cook it all together, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes blister and start to release their juices—this should take about 4-5 minutes!
4. Create the Sauce:
If you like a bit of heat, now’s the time to add the red pepper flakes! Next, pour in the balsamic vinegar and chicken broth (or the reserved pasta water). Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix it in with the sauce and veggies. Then, add the cooked pasta into the mix, tossing everything together until the pasta is nicely coated in that delicious balsamic sauce!
6. Finish with Fresh Basil:
Turn off the heat and stir in your freshly chopped basil. This will add a bright touch to the dish! Serve it up immediately, and don’t forget to garnish with a few extra basil leaves if you’d like.
Enjoy your vibrant, tangy, and delicious Balsamic Chicken Pasta! It’s perfect for dinner any night of the week!
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute it with other shapes like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose!
What Can I Use Instead of Balsamic Vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Just keep in mind that the flavor will differ slightly; adding a pinch of sugar can help mimic the sweetness of balsamic.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian! Swap out the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or chickpeas for a protein-rich alternative. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.