Weeknight • Pasta
Creamy Tomato Balsamic Chicken Pasta
Tender chicken and pasta are coated in a rich, tangy tomato-balsamic cream sauce for a comforting meal.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Weeknight
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Forget complicated weeknight dinners! This Creamy Tomato Balsamic Chicken Pasta is elegant enough for guests but simple enough for any busy evening. Juicy chicken and al dente pasta mingle in a luscious sauce, brightened by balsamic vinegar and creamy with a hint of garlic. It's a hug in a bowl, guaranteed to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Step 1
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
Step 2
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 3
Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4
Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 5
Stir in heavy cream and cooked chicken. Continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached. Stir in Parmesan cheese just before serving.
Step 7
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and more Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips
- For a bolder balsamic flavor, use a good quality aged balsamic vinegar.
- If you don't have fresh basil, a sprinkle of dried basil can be added with the Italian seasoning.
- This dish reheats well, making it great for meal prep lunches.
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