Balsamic Chicken Pasta is a tasty dish packed with flavor! It features tender chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy balsamic sauce, mixed with perfectly cooked pasta.
This meal is super easy to whip up and makes a great weeknight dinner. I love to sprinkle a little cheese on top for extra yumminess—seriously, who can say no to cheese? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne pasta: This type of pasta works great for holding onto the sauce. If you don’t have penne, you can use fusilli or rotini. They all do a fantastic job of catching those flavors.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts are simple and quick to cook. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with turkey or use tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Cherry tomatoes: These add sweetness and burst of flavor. If you can’t find them, regular diced tomatoes work too. Just adjust the cooking time to allow them to soften properly.
Balsamic vinegar: The star of the sauce! If you’re out, you can use red wine vinegar mixed with a little honey for sweetness. It’ll give you a similar tang!
Fresh basil: Basil adds a fresh touch. If you don’t have fresh, dried basil will do, but use less as it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken just right is key to a delicious Balsamic Chicken Pasta. Here are my tips:
- Make sure your skillet is nice and hot before adding the chicken. This helps get a great sear.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time! Chicken should be browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- To check for doneness, cut into a piece. It should be white throughout, not pink.
Take your time, and enjoy the wonderful aroma while your chicken is cooking!
Balsamic Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Balsamic Chicken Pasta takes about 30 minutes from start to finish—15 minutes for prep and about 15 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. This will give your chicken a nice flavor. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Then, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once heated, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant (but be careful not to burn it!). Next, add the cherry tomatoes and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and blister.
4. Make the Balsamic Sauce:
Pour in the balsamic vinegar and chicken broth (or water) into the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. This will create a delicious sauce!
5. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Stir to coat the chicken and tomatoes in the balsamic sauce.
6. Toss in the Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined. The pasta should soak up that yummy sauce!
7. Final Touches:
Stir in the fresh basil for some extra flavor, and then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. You can let it melt a bit from the heat of the pasta.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Balsamic Chicken Pasta warm! If you’d like, garnish with extra basil on top. Enjoy your tangy and savory creation!
Can I Use Another Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne pasta works great in this dish, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle. Just keep an eye on the cooking times, as they may differ slightly.
Can I Replace Balsamic Vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar on hand, you can use red wine vinegar mixed with a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup for a similar sweet-tangy flavor. This combination works well in a pinch!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it up in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if it looks dry.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Definitely! You can substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or tofu for a satisfying vegetarian option. Just skip the chicken broth when cooking the sauce, or replace it with vegetable broth.