This Balsamic Chicken Pasta is a tasty mix of juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and pasta, all tossed in a sweet and tangy balsamic sauce. Perfect for dinner or a quick lunch!
I love how colorful this dish is! Plus, it’s super easy to make, so you can impress your friends without breaking a sweat. Who doesn’t love a one-pot wonder? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: Rotini is great because its twists hold onto the sauce well. If you don’t have rotini, other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli work just as nicely.
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly. For a different twist, try using chicken thighs, which are juicier, or even diced tofu for a vegetarian option.
Cherry Tomatoes: Their sweetness really shines in this dish. If they’re out of season, you could use diced canned tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes, but adjust the cooking time for the sun-dried ones.
Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add a nice earthy flavor. If you’re not a fan, zucchini or bell peppers can be good alternatives to keep it colorful and tasty.
Balsamic Vinegar: This is the star of the sauce! If balsamic is too strong for your taste, try apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for a milder flavor.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken strips so they’re juicy and flavorful is essential. Here’s how to achieve that deliciously golden result:
- Make sure the skillet is hot enough; medium-high heat works well. This helps give a nice sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning.
- Season the chicken strips well with salt and pepper before cooking to enhance flavor.
- Cook just until they are golden and no longer pink in the center, usually about 5-7 minutes.
Keeping these tips in mind will give you tender, flavorful chicken every time! Enjoy your cooking adventure! 🍝
Balsamic Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
For the Vegetables:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves, sliced
- Fresh rosemary, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 25-30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes cooking the pasta and chicken, and then another 10-15 minutes tossing everything together. 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. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While your pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken breasts with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Carefully add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until you can smell its wonderful scent. Add the sliced mushrooms and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the mushrooms are softened and the tomatoes start to blister.
4. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the balsamic vinegar and chicken broth (or water) into the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This will allow the sauce to reduce slightly and develop a richer flavor.
5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Gently toss everything together, making sure the pasta is well-coated with the balsamic sauce and mixed nicely with the chicken and veggies. Taste it and add more salt and pepper if you like!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish your delicious Balsamic Chicken Pasta with fresh basil leaves, chopped rosemary, and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy a delightful meal!
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While rotini works great for holding the sauce, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! This recipe is versatile, so feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just sauté them along with the mushrooms and cherry tomatoes for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.
Is There a Vegetarian Option?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with extra vegetables or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It will be just as delicious and satisfying!
