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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 3 cups whole wheat pasta (penne or fusilli) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup 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 For this recipe, you can swap the chicken for turkey or tofu. Use any pasta shape you like, not just whole wheat. Swap cherry tomatoes for diced bell peppers or zucchini if you prefer. If you want a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a touch of cream cheese. You can also use white wine instead of balsamic vinegar for a different flavor. This meal is healthy and full of good stuff. Each serving has about: - Calories: 400 - Protein: 30g - Carbs: 50g - Fat: 12g - Fiber: 6g This recipe serves four, making it great for family dinners or meal prep. With wholesome ingredients, you get a tasty dish that fuels your day. First, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. This helps the pasta taste better. Next, add 3 cups of whole wheat pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, which means it should be firm yet cooked through. After cooking, drain the pasta but save 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This water will help mix flavors later. While the pasta cooks, grab 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season them with salt, pepper, dried basil, and oregano. This adds great flavor. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side. You want them to be golden brown and fully cooked. When done, remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then, slice it into strips. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until you smell the garlic. Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes and balsamic vinegar. Stir everything well. Let this simmer for about 2-3 minutes. The tomatoes should soften a bit. Now, add the chopped spinach and the cooked pasta. Stir to combine everything. If the pasta looks dry, add some reserved pasta water until it reaches the right consistency. Finally, add the sliced chicken to the skillet. Mix gently and cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat everything through. For the full recipe, you can refer back to the beginning of the article. Cooking can be fun and simple. Here are some tips to make your dish shine: - Always use fresh ingredients. They add more flavor. - Season your chicken well. A good seasoning makes a big difference. - Keep an eye on the pasta. Overcooked pasta turns mushy. - Reserve some pasta water. It helps your sauce stick better. Cooking chicken can be tricky. Here’s how to do it right: - Start with even pieces. This helps them cook at the same rate. - Use medium heat in the pan. This gives a nice golden color. - Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer; it should be 165°F. - Let it rest after cooking. This keeps the chicken juicy. Presentation matters! Here are some ways to serve your dish nicely: - Use bowls or plates with a wide rim. It makes the dish look more inviting. - Top with fresh basil leaves. They add a pop of color and taste. - Drizzle extra balsamic vinegar on top. It gives a gourmet touch. - Serve with a side salad. It makes the meal more complete. For more details on the recipe, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for other proteins. Try turkey, shrimp, or tofu. Each option adds a unique flavor. Turkey is lean and great for health. Shrimp cooks fast and tastes amazing with balsamic. Tofu is perfect for a plant-based meal. Just make sure to cook it until golden. For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken. You can add more veggies instead. Bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms work well. These veggies add color and taste to your dish. You can also use chickpeas for protein. They are filling and nutritious. You can use various pasta shapes for this recipe. Penne and fusilli are great choices. But you can also try spaghetti or farfalle. Each shape holds the sauce differently. This gives you a new experience with every bite. Whole wheat pasta adds fiber, but feel free to use regular pasta. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe for Wholesome Balsamic Chicken Pasta. To keep your balsamic chicken pasta fresh, let it cool first. Then, use an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. This way, the flavors stay intact. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, use the microwave or stovetop. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir after each burst to avoid hot spots. If on the stovetop, add a splash of water. This helps keep the pasta moist. If you want to freeze the dish, it’s smart to separate the chicken and pasta. Place each in its own container. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as mentioned above. This keeps your meal tasty and fresh. Balsamic vinegar offers many health perks. It is low in calories and has no fat. It can help with digestion and may lower blood sugar. Balsamic vinegar is also rich in antioxidants. These can help fight free radicals in your body. You can use it to add flavor without extra calories. Yes, you can! This recipe is flexible. Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies. Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms work well. You can also try broccoli or asparagus. Just make sure to cook them until tender. This will keep your pasta dish colorful and tasty. To make more servings, simply increase the ingredients. For every two extra servings, add one more chicken breast. Increase pasta and veggies by the same amount. Adjust the sauce ingredients too, to keep flavors balanced. You can also double the recipe if needed. Just make sure your pot or skillet is big enough. For the complete guide, check out the Full Recipe for Wholesome Balsamic Chicken Pasta. This blog post covered key steps to make Balsamic Chicken Pasta. We explored the ingredients, measurements, and nutritional info. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking the pasta and chicken, plus making the sauce. You learned handy tips to cook chicken perfectly and serving ideas. We also looked at variations for proteins and pasta types, along with storage and reheating information. Remember, this recipe is flexible and fun. Enjoy your time in the kitchen!

Wholesome Balsamic Chicken Pasta

Discover the delightful combination of flavors in this Wholesome Balsamic Chicken Pasta that's perfect for any meal! This recipe features tender chicken breasts, whole wheat pasta, and fresh cherry tomatoes, all tossed in a savory balsamic sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a nutritious dish the whole family will love. Click to explore the full recipe and impress your loved ones with this easy and healthy dinner idea!
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

3 cups whole wheat pasta (penne or fusilli)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup 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: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

    Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, dried basil, and oregano.

      Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

        Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes and balsamic vinegar, stirring well. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly.

          Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped spinach and cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to combine. If the pasta looks dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

            Assemble the Dish: Add the sliced chicken to the skillet, gently mixing it with the pasta and sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat everything through.

              Serve: Remove from heat and crumble feta cheese over the dish. Toss lightly and adjust seasoning if needed.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the balsamic chicken pasta in bowls, topped with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and extra flavor. Drizzle a bit more balsamic vinegar over the top for an elegant finish.