5 from 21 votes
Pesto Pasta with Balsamic Chicken
This Pesto Pasta with Balsamic Chicken features chicken marinated in a balsamic mixture, roasted cherry tomatoes, and orecchiette pasta tossed with basil pesto and spinach. The dish balances tangy, sweet, and herbal flavors with tender chicken and flavorful vegetables.
Prep Time
1 hr
Cook Time
45 mins
Total Time
1 hr 45 mins
Servings:
6
Calories:
774 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
For the pasta:
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breast about 2 breasts, boneless, skinless
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil , divided
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar light or dark
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 ½ pounds cherry tomato
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 pound orecchiette pasta , dry
- 1 ¼ cups basil pesto
- 2-3 cups spinach
- Parmesan Cheese , for serving
- basil for serving, fresh leaves
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken. Trim the chicken of any extra fat, cut into chunks, and place it in a gallon freezer bag or shallow bowl. Whisk the balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, brown sugar, and soy sauce in a bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken and refrigerate for an hour or up to overnight.
- Roast the tomatoes. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed sheet pan with aluminum foil. Add the tomatoes, ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) of olive oil, and ½ teaspoon of salt to the pan. Toss the tomatoes to evenly coat them in the oil and salt. Roast for 15-20 minutes.
- Cook the chicken. Heat a skillet over medium heat and drizzle with olive oil. Add the chicken and cook, turning every few minutes, until the chicken is browned and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F, about 10-15 minutes.
- While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and add the hot pasta to the skillet with the chicken. Toss with the pesto, roasted tomatoes, and spinach. Top with freshly grated Parmesan and fresh basil before serving.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
Calories
774kcal
(39%)
Carbohydrates
69g
(23%)
Protein
38g
(76%)
Fat
37g
(57%)
Saturated Fat
6g
(30%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
(12%)
Monounsaturated Fat
11g
(55%)
Trans Fat
0.01g
(1%)
Cholesterol
77mg
(26%)
Sodium
892mg
(37%)
Potassium
908mg
(19%)
Fiber
4g
(16%)
Sugar
10g
(20%)
Vitamin A
2568IU
(51%)
Vitamin C
30mg
(33%)
Calcium
132mg
(13%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 774
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 774kcal | 39% |
| Carbohydrates | 69g | 23% |
| Protein | 38g | 76% |
| Fat | 37g | 57% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 77mg | 26% |
| Sodium | 892mg | 37% |
| Potassium | 908mg | 19% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 2568IU | 51% |
| Vitamin C | 30mg | 33% |
| Calcium | 132mg | 13% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.