Balsamic Glazed Chicken Pasta

Balsamic Glazed Chicken Pasta is a vibrant dish featuring tender chicken breast glazed with a tangy balsamic reduction, sautéed garlic, and a hint of fresh herbs. This Italian-inspired meal is perfect for an easy yet elegant dinner that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen in just 40 minutes.

Pin it

The combination of honey, Dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar creates a rich, silky glaze that coats every piece of chicken and pasta. With the addition of juicy cherry tomatoes and fresh baby spinach, this dish is as colorful as it is delicious.

Ingredients

• Meats: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500 g), sliced into thin strips
• Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) penne or spaghetti
• Vegetables & Aromatics: 3 cloves garlic, minced; 200 g (7 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved; 60 g (2 cups) fresh baby spinach
• Sauces & Oils: 3 tbsp olive oil, divided; 60 ml (1/4 cup) balsamic vinegar; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Seasonings: 1 tsp dried Italian herbs; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Garnishes: 30 g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil leaves, torn (optional)

Rinse produce, clean cookware, and fill pots smoothly with flexible spray options for everyday cooking.

Check price on Amazon

Instructions

Step 1

Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Reserve 120 ml (1/2 cup) pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips, season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2–3 minutes until tomatoes soften.

Step 4

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and remaining 1 tbsp olive oil.

Step 5

Return chicken to the skillet. Pour balsamic mixture over chicken and tomatoes. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken.

Step 6

Add cooked pasta and spinach to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce that coats the pasta.

Step 7

Remove from heat. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure a perfect glaze, make sure the skillet is at medium-high heat when adding the balsamic mixture so it thickens effectively. Don't skip reserving the pasta water; the starch helps create a cohesive sauce that clings beautifully to the penne.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a peppery twist, swap the spinach for arugula or kale. To make a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu. This dish contains wheat, milk, and mustard, but can be adapted for gluten or dairy intolerances using gluten-free pasta and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this dish hot, topped with extra grated Parmesan and fresh basil. It pairs beautifully with a light Pinot Noir or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Nutritionally, each serving provides 485 calories, 34 g of protein, and 13 g of fat.

Pin it

This Balsamic Glazed Chicken Pasta is a nutritious and satisfying meal that is sure to become a regular in your weeknight rotation. Enjoy the sophisticated blend of sweet, tangy, and savory in every bite.

Blend smoothies, sauces, and shakes quickly for easy breakfasts, snacks, and meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and prepare the balsamic glaze up to 2 hours in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta fresh just before serving, then combine everything while the pasta is still warm for the best texture and flavor.

→ What pasta works best for this dish?

Penne or spaghetti are ideal choices. Their shapes catch the balsamic glaze beautifully. You can also use linguine, fettuccine, or any short pasta you prefer. For dietary needs, gluten-free pasta works wonderfully with the same cooking method.

→ How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips before cooking—this reduces cooking time and ensures even, tender results. Cook over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until just golden and cooked through. Avoid overcooking by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, firm tofu, or chickpeas for heartier protein alternatives. Cook mushrooms until golden and caramelized, or pan-fry tofu until crispy on the edges, then proceed with the balsamic glaze as directed.

→ What wine pairs well with this dish?

A light Pinot Noir or crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the tangy balsamic and fresh herbs beautifully. The wine's acidity balances the richness of the olive oil and cheese while enhancing the tomato and herb flavors in the dish.

→ Why reserve pasta water, and how much do I need?

Reserved pasta water contains starch that helps emulsify the glaze, creating a silky sauce that clings to the pasta. Start with a quarter cup and add more gradually as needed. This technique transforms the glaze into a luxurious coating rather than a thin dressing.