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- Chicken - Whole Wheat Pasta - Balsamic Vinegar - Garlic - Olive Oil - Fresh Herbs - Feta Cheese - Cherry Tomatoes - Spinach In this wholesome balsamic chicken pasta recipe, the main ingredients come together to create a tasty meal. The chicken provides protein, while whole wheat pasta adds fiber and complexity. Balsamic vinegar brings a sweet and tangy flavor that ties everything together. Next, we enhance the dish with garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs. Garlic adds depth and aroma, while olive oil helps to sauté and enrich other flavors. Fresh herbs, like basil and oregano, give a bright taste that makes each bite enjoyable. Finally, we add cheese and vegetables. Feta cheese gives a creamy texture and salty kick. Cherry tomatoes burst with juiciness, while spinach adds color and nutrients. This combination of ingredients makes the dish not just healthy, but also visually appealing. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Make sure the water is bubbling well. Add 3 cups of whole wheat pasta. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander. Don't forget to save 1/2 cup of the cooking water for later. Set the drained pasta aside. Next, we will prepare the chicken. Season both sides of the two chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add dried basil and oregano for extra flavor. Make sure to cover the chicken evenly. This helps every bite taste great. Now, let's make the sauce. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Once it's hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until you smell the garlic. Be careful not to burn it. Add in the halved cherry tomatoes next. Pour in the balsamic vinegar and stir. Let the sauce simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes. You want the tomatoes to soften a bit. It's time to mix everything together. Toss in the chopped spinach and the cooked pasta into the skillet. Stir well to combine everything. If the sauce seems a bit dry, add some of the reserved pasta water. This will help make the sauce smooth and rich. Finally, we will add the chicken back in. Gently fold the sliced chicken into the pasta and sauce mixture. Let it all heat together for about 1 to 2 minutes. This ensures the chicken warms up nicely. When ready, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top. Toss lightly to mix. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Enjoy your wholesome balsamic chicken pasta! To get a great sear on your chicken, heat the skillet first. This step helps lock in juices. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if needed. Cook each side for 5-6 minutes. This timing usually ensures a golden brown finish. Always check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C). Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes helps keep it juicy. Fresh herbs can give your dish a big boost. Try adding thyme or rosemary for a twist. You can also mix in parsley for freshness. Using lemon zest adds a bright note. It lifts the flavors and makes the dish feel lighter. Just a little is enough to make a difference. Serve the pasta in deep bowls for a cozy feel. You can add extra feta on top for a creamy touch. Fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish. For a fancy twist, drizzle some balsamic vinegar just before serving. This adds color and flavor, making your dish pop! Check out the Full Recipe for more details on perfecting this meal. {{image_4}} For a gluten-free version of this dish, choose alternative pasta like rice noodles or quinoa pasta. These options work well and keep the meal tasty. You can also try zucchini noodles for a fresh twist. If you want to change the protein, use shrimp or tofu. Both cook fast and add great flavor. To make this dish vegan, swap chicken for plant-based chicken strips. They give a similar texture and taste. For cheese, use dairy-free feta or nutritional yeast. Both add a nice zing without any dairy. You can also add more veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Want to spice things up? Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a kick. You can also try herbs like thyme or rosemary. They bring a great aroma to the dish. Don’t forget to mix in veggies like broccoli or bell peppers. They make the dish colorful and healthy. For a different sauce, consider adding pesto or olive tapenade. These can boost the flavor and make the dish even more exciting. To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the chicken pasta fresh. I recommend using glass containers. They keep food safe and help you see what’s inside. For longer shelf life, you can freeze the balsamic chicken pasta. Divide it into portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, warm it up in a skillet. You can also use a microwave, but stir it often to heat it evenly. The dish stays fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Freezing extends its life to about 2-3 months. For the best flavor and texture, eat it within these time frames. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating. Yes, you can use regular pasta. Choose any pasta you like, such as spaghetti or rotini. Whole wheat pasta adds fiber and nutrients, but regular pasta works great too. You can even try gluten-free pasta if needed. To add heat, try these ideas: - Add red pepper flakes while cooking the chicken. - Mix in sliced jalapeños with the tomatoes. - Use a spicy balsamic vinegar for extra kick. These options will give your dish a flavorful boost. Absolutely! You can prep this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and pasta, then store them separately in the fridge. Reheat the chicken and pasta before mixing with the sauce. This saves time on busy nights. Consider these tasty side dishes: - A simple mixed green salad. - Garlic bread for a comforting touch. - Roasted vegetables for extra nutrients. These pairings complement the flavors and make a complete meal. For the full recipe, check out the section above. In this article, we covered how to make a delicious Balsamic Chicken Pasta. We looked at key ingredients like chicken, whole wheat pasta, and balsamic vinegar. The step-by-step instructions guide you through cooking the pasta and chicken, making the balsamic sauce, and mixing everything together. We also shared useful tips for perfecting your dish and explored variations for different diets. Storing tips ensured your meal stays fresh. Enjoy creating this easy and tasty meal! You'll impress everyone with your cooking skills.

Wholesome Balsamic Chicken Pasta

Discover the deliciousness of wholesome balsamic chicken pasta! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, whole wheat pasta, and vibrant cherry tomatoes, all tossed in a flavorful balsamic sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it's packed with nutrients and flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, your family will love this satisfying dish. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

3 cups whole wheat pasta (choose between penne or fusilli)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander but be sure to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use. Set the drained pasta aside.

    Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, dried basil, and oregano, ensuring even coverage for optimal flavor.

      Sauté the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

        Make the Sauce: In the same skillet where the chicken was cooked, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once it’s heated, add the minced garlic and sauté for around 30 seconds or until fragrant—avoid burning. Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes and pour in the balsamic vinegar. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften.

          Combine Ingredients: Toss in the chopped spinach and the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomato-balsamic mixture. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired sauce consistency.

            Assemble the Dish: Gently fold the sliced chicken into the skillet, making sure it is evenly distributed with the pasta and sauce. Let everything heat together for an additional 1-2 minutes, ensuring the chicken is warmed through.

              Serve: Once heated, remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese generously over the top. Toss lightly to integrate, and taste to adjust seasoning if necessary.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the balsamic chicken pasta in deep bowls or plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant pop of color and added flavor. For an elegant touch, drizzle a little extra balsamic vinegar over the top just before serving. Enjoy your culinary creation!