This pasta salad is definitely a 5 star recipe and will be a hit in your household. It can be ready in less than 30 minutes and is great eaten immediately while hot or eaten cold later.
1 lb. thin spaghetti pasta or angel hair
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, from about 2 large breasts
1 t. dried basil
1 t. dried oregano
1/2 t. garlic powder
salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 c. olive oil
2 T. minced garlic
2 T. red onion, finely chopped, from about 1/3 of the onion
2 T. balsamic vinegar, or to taste
8 Roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese, plus 2 T. for serving
2 T. finely chopped fresh basil or parsley
salt and pepper, to taste
store bought balsamic glaze for serving, optional
Cook pasta according to package directions; drain; rinse in cold water; transfer to a large bowl; set aside.
While pasta is cooking, season chicken with herbs, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
Heat 1 t. oil in a grill pan or skillet; sear chicken over medium-high heat until browned on both sides and cooked through, about 6 minutes per side; remove from pan; set aside; let rest.
Add remaining olive oil to the same hot pan till hot; sauté garlic and onion until garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute; turn off heat.
Add in tomatoes; toss lightly to warm through and combine flavors. Add tomato mixture to the pasta.
Mix in vinegar, Parmesan cheese and basil or parsley; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Slice chicken; add to pasta. Toss pasta with all ingredients until well combined.
Serve immediately, topped with 2 T. Parmesan cheese, if desired and balsamic glaze.It could also be refrigerated up to 1 hour before serving.
8 servings.