Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something flavorful, healthy, and quick to make? Then look no further! This Balsamic Chicken and Pasta recipe is your new weeknight go-to. It's bursting with fresh flavors, requires minimal cleanup, and is surprisingly easy to customize to your liking. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is a delicious example of how easy homemade cooking can be. This is one of those best recipes that everyone will love!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
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Make the Sauce: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in the balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, honey, oregano, and basil. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened.
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Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss to combine, adding a little pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. If using, stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for another minute.
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Garnish and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the skillet, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or ricotta cheese at the end for a creamier sauce.
- Leftovers: Store leftover balsamic chicken and pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: 30-35g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Fat: 10-15g
This easy recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas, perfect for busy weeknights. It's a healthy meal option, providing a good source of protein and fiber. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying dish! It's a simple way to elevate your weeknight meals and showcase your homemade cooking skills, delivering a restaurant-quality experience at home. This is definitely one of the best recipes for a simple yet impressive dinner.