Ingredients

The following ingredients have 6 Servings
  • 1 pound chicken breasts chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 pound thin spaghetti or pasta of choice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 pints cherry/grape tomatoes
  • 1/2 red onion, chopped
  • 4-6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup packed basil, chopped
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 tsp EACH dried basil, dried oregano, salt
  • 1/2 tsp EACH dried parsley, pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instruction

  • Whisk together the Balsamic Marinade/Sauce ingredients. Transfer 2 tablespoons to a freezer safe bag or bowl with the chicken. Marinate at room temperature for 15-30 minutes or in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours.
  • Meanwhile, cook pasta al dente according to package directions in generously salted water. Remove 1 cup pasta water before draining. Drain and rinse the pasta, then toss with a drizzle the untouched balsamic sauce to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides, but not cooked through, transfer to a plate (it will finish cooking later in the sauce).
  • Reduce heat to medium-low. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in the chicken drippings. Add tomatoes, onions and garlic. Cook until the tomatoes begin to burst, 5-8 minutes, stirring constantly and scraping up any brown bits on the bottom of the pan.
  • Add the chicken back to the pan along with remaining sauce (not touched by the raw chicken). Simmer until slightly thickened and the chicken is cooked through, 1-2 minutes.
  • Stir in fresh basil and Parmesan. Stir in pasta until well coated, adding some reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to reach desired consistency. Taste and season with additional salt, pepper and/or red pepper flakes to taste.
  • Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan Cheese and additional basil if desired