Balsamic Chicken and Pasta

This balsamic chicken and pasta recipe is a delicious combination of chicken, pasta, and tomatoes. You can cook the chicken on the stove or a grill.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 45 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 682 Calories

Ingredients

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

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

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

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 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.

Step 5

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

Step 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.

Step 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.