Balsamic Chicken and Pasta

Balsamic Chicken and Pasta

This balsamic chicken and pasta recipe is a delicious combination of chicken, pasta, and tomatoes. Serve it warm or chilled for a great meal on a warm summer day! This recipe may look a bit complicated, but I promise you, it is not. You can cook the chicken on the stove or a grill. It is ideal for large family gatherings, and you don't need to serve it with anything other than a good loaf of bread to sop the juices. I hope your family enjoys this as much as mine has.

Calories
168
Carbohydrates
45g
Protein
6g
Potassium
755mg
Fiber
5g
Sugar
12g

Ingredients

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 ounces fresh basil leaves

  • 3/4 cup olive oil, divided

  • 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar, divided

  • 6 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

  • 1 tablespoon salt, and more to taste

  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground black pepper, and more to taste

  • 1 pound penne pasta

  • 2 pints grape tomatoes, halved

Direction

  1. Place garlic cloves in the bowl of a food processor or blender; pulse until minced. Add 1/3 basil leaves; pulse until fine. Add 1/2 cup olive oil; process until mixture turns light yellow with flecks of basil. Add 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar; process until just combined.

  2. Place chicken breasts, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper, and puréed basil mixture into a large resealable plastic bag. Squeeze out excess air, seal the bag, and toss to coat chicken with marinade. Marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours, or up to overnight, turning occasionally.

  3. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).

  4. Brown chicken in a large skillet over high heat, 4 to 5 minutes per side; transfer to a large baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven until cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes.

  5. Transfer chicken to a cutting board; slice into 1/4-inch strips. Return to baking dish to absorb cooking juices. Keep warm.

  6. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain well. Stir in chicken and juices from the baking dish.

  7. Thinly slice remaining 2/3 basil leaves; place in a large serving bowl along with tomatoes. Stir in remaining each 1/4 cup olive oil and balsamic vinegar; season with salt and black pepper. Top basil and tomatoes with pasta, sauce, and chicken; toss to combine.