Balsamic Chicken and Pasta Recipe – Easy and Delicious Summer Dish

Balsamic Chicken and Pasta is a delightful summer dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful pasta, and fresh tomatoes. This recipe is versatile enough to be served warm or chilled, making it perfect for any occasion, especially large family gatherings. The rich balsamic marinade infuses the chicken with a tangy sweetness, while fresh basil and grape tomatoes add a burst of freshness.

The Best Balsamic Chicken and Pasta Recipe

Notes on Ingredients

The key to this dish is the balsamic marinade, which is made with minced garlic, fresh basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. The chicken breasts absorb these flavors beautifully, creating a tender and flavorful protein. Penne pasta works well to hold the sauce, but any hearty pasta can be used. Grape tomatoes add a juicy sweetness, and additional olive oil and balsamic vinegar help to tie the flavors together.

How to Make Balsamic Chicken and Pasta

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a food processor or blender, mince the garlic cloves. Add one-third of the basil leaves and chop until fine. Pour in ½ cup of olive oil and process until the mixture turns light yellow with flecks of basil. Add the balsamic vinegar and process just until combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top storage bag along with 1 tablespoon of salt, 1½ teaspoons of pepper, and the contents of the food processor. Squeeze out the air, seal the bag, and allow the chicken to marinate for 2 hours, or up to overnight, turning occasionally.
3. Cook the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Brown the chicken in a large skillet over high heat, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a large baking dish and bake until cooked through, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the oven, slice into ¼-inch strips, and return to the baking dish to absorb the cooking juices. Keep warm.
4. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is baking, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Boil the pasta until cooked through but still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain well. Stir the chicken and its juices into the hot pasta.
5. Prepare the Tomatoes and Basil: Thinly slice the remaining basil leaves and place them in a large serving bowl along with the halved grape tomatoes. Stir in ¼ cup of olive oil, ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine and Serve: Top the basil and tomatoes with the hot pasta, sauce, and chicken. Toss everything together to combine.

How to Serve Balsamic Chicken and Pasta

This dish can be served warm immediately after preparation, or chilled for a refreshing summer meal. It pairs wonderfully with a loaf of crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. For added color and flavor, consider using a mix of red and yellow grape tomatoes.

How to Store Balsamic Chicken and Pasta

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish can be enjoyed cold or reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Information for Balsamic Chicken and Pasta

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

FAQs About Balsamic Chicken and Pasta

The Best Balsamic Chicken and Pasta Recipe

Enjoy a delightful combination of chicken, pasta, and tomatoes with this easy Balsamic Chicken and Pasta recipe. Perfect for warm days, it can be served warm or chilled.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Additional Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs

Course Dinner Plate

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 682 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 ounces fresh basil leaves
• ½ cup olive oil
• ½ cup balsamic vinegar
• 6 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1 pound penne pasta
• 2 pints grape tomatoes halved
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Mince garlic cloves in food processor or blender. Add 1/3 of the basil leaves to the processor, and chop until fine. Pour in 1/2 cup of olive oil, and continue to process until mixture turns light yellow with flecks of basil. Add the balsamic vinegar; process just until combined.
• Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top storage bag along with 1 tablespoon salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper, and the contents of the food processor. Squeeze air out of bag and seal. Allow chicken to marinate for 2 hours, or up to overnight, turning occasionally.
• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
• Brown chicken in a large skillet over large heat, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a large baking dish, and place in the oven until cooked through, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove chicken from oven, slice into 1/4 inch strips, and return to baking dish to absorb cooking juices. Keep warm.
• While chicken is baking, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Boil the pasta until cooked through, but still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain well. Stir the chicken and the juices from the baking dish into the hot pasta.
• Thinly slice the remaining basil leaves, and place in a large serving bowl along with the tomatoes. Stir in 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste. Top basil and tomatoes with the hot pasta, sauce, and chicken; toss to combine.

Notes

Any hearty pasta that will hold the sauce works well in this recipe.

 

The chicken can be fully cooked on the grill, if desired. It will blacken from the vinegar, but will taste delicious.

 

For a more colorful dish, use a mix of red and yellow tomatoes.

Keyword Balsamic, balsamic vinegar chicken, Chicken, Pasta

Enjoy preparing and savoring this delightful Balsamic Chicken and Pasta, perfect for any summer gathering or family dinner!