What Is Balsamic Chicken and Pasta?
Balsamic Chicken and Pasta is a savory one-skillet meal made with seared chicken, cooked pasta, and a rich, slightly sweet balsamic vinegar sauce. It often includes garlic, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan for extra flavor.
This dish strikes the perfect balance between tangy, creamy, and hearty — and it’s a great go-to for busy weeknights, meal prep, or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Why This Recipe Works
✅ One pan = less cleanup
✅ Bold flavor from balsamic vinegar and garlic
✅ Customizable with veggies or cheese
✅ Ready in 30 minutes
✅ Kid-friendly and perfect for leftovers
It’s healthy-ish, filling, and easy enough for any home cook to master.
Ingredients You’ll Need
🛒 For the chicken and sauce:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced thin or cubed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup pasta water or chicken broth
🍝 For the pasta:
- 8 oz penne or bowtie pasta
- Salted water for boiling
How to Make Balsamic Chicken and Pasta
🔥 Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Serves: 4
👨🍳 Step-by-Step:
1. Cook the pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Sear the chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan.
3. Make the balsamic sauce
In the same pan, add a touch more oil if needed. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add balsamic vinegar, honey, and tomatoes. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Combine everything
Return chicken to the pan, add cooked pasta and spinach. Toss well with pasta water or broth until the sauce coats everything evenly.
5. Finish and serve
Top with shaved Parmesan, fresh basil (optional), and serve warm!
Variations and Add-Ins
| Variation | What to Add |
|---|---|
| Creamy version | Add ¼ cup heavy cream with balsamic |
| Spicy kick | Add red chili flakes or hot sauce |
| Veggie boost | Zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers |
| Protein swap | Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken |
| Gluten-free | Use gluten-free pasta like rice or chickpea pasta |
What to Serve It With
This dish is already balanced, but here are a few perfect sides:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted asparagus
- Chilled sparkling water with lemon
- Glass of red wine (optional for guests)
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheat in the microwave or skillet with a splash of water or broth
- Avoid freezing — the balsamic sauce can separate and lose texture
Nutrition Breakdown (Approx. per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420–480 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 35g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
💡 Make it lighter by using grilled chicken and skipping cheese or pasta water.
FAQs
❓ Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Just reduce the cook time in Step 2 and add it during sauce tossing.
❓ Does balsamic vinegar taste too strong?
Not when balanced with honey and garlic — it becomes rich and slightly sweet.
❓ Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — just skip the Parmesan and double-check your pasta is dairy-free.
❓ Is it kid-friendly?
Absolutely! You can tone down the tang by using a little extra honey or cutting the vinegar slightly.
👉 Love sweet and tangy sauces? Don’t miss our Strawberry Rhubarb Preserves Recipe — a fruity spread that’s perfect with savory dishes or toast!
Final Thoughts
Balsamic Chicken and Pasta is the kind of recipe that turns pantry staples into something extraordinary. It’s bold, balanced, and brings together the richness of garlic, the sweetness of balsamic, and the comfort of pasta — all in one pan.
Perfect for weeknights, date nights, or meal prep — once you try it, it’s going into your dinner rotation.
