This Balsamic Chicken Pasta is a quick and tasty dish! Juicy chicken cooked in a sweet balsamic sauce sits perfectly with pasta, making every bite full of flavor.
I love how easy it is to whip up—just cook the chicken, toss in the sauce, and mix it with pasta. It’s a dinner that always puts a smile on my face! 🍝😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using penne for this dish because its shape holds the sauce well. If you’re short on penne, feel free to use farfalle, fusilli, or even spaghetti! Just make sure to adjust cooking times if using a different type.
Chicken: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their ease of cooking and tenderness. If you’re looking for a different protein, you could try using boneless thighs, or even turkey. For a vegetarian option, sauté some extra mushrooms or use tofu instead!
Balsamic Vinegar: This is the star of the dish, giving it a delicious tang. If you’re out of balsamic, a red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work, but they won’t be as sweet. To add sweetness back, a touch of honey or sugar can balance it out.
Mushrooms: I used regular white mushrooms, which are mild and absorb flavors well. You can substitute with cremini or shiitake for a deeper flavor. If mushrooms aren’t your thing, zucchini or bell peppers can be a good addition instead.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking chicken until it’s tender and juicy can be tricky. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Make sure the skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps to sear the meat.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you add too much chicken, it will steam, rather than brown. Cook in batches if needed.
- Check for doneness using a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
With these tips, your chicken will be juicy and flavorful, making your pasta dish shine!
Balsamic Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or a mix of oregano and thyme
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced or whole for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Balsamic Chicken Pasta recipe takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight, yet impressive enough for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced onion and mushrooms, cooking them until they soften and turn lightly brown, which should take about 5 minutes. Next, add the cherry tomatoes and minced garlic, cooking everything together until the tomatoes start to blister and get soft—about 3 minutes.
4. Create the Sauce:
Now it’s time to pour in the balsamic vinegar and chicken broth, stirring everything to combine. Sprinkle in the dried herbs, and let the mixture simmer for about 3-5 minutes. This will give the sauce a chance to reduce slightly and intensify the flavors.
5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet, tossing it to coat well in the balsamic sauce. Now add the cooked pasta to the skillet, mixing everything gently to combine and heat through for a minute or two.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Balsamic Chicken Pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy the delicious combination of tangy balsamic, juicy chicken, mushrooms, and sweet tomatoes alongside the perfectly cooked pasta!
Enjoy your meal! 🎉🍽️
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat pasta for a healthier option or use gluten-free pasta if you have dietary restrictions. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary from regular pasta.
What Can I Substitute for Balsamic Vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, but keep in mind these are more acidic. To balance the flavors, add a little sugar or honey to mimic balsamic’s sweetness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Balsamic Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in additional vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Just cook them down with the onions and mushrooms for a delicious boost of flavor and nutrients!