Balsamic Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes
A vibrant pasta dish combining tender chicken, fresh cherry tomatoes, and briny black olives tossed with bow tie pasta in a simple balsamic vinaigrette. The Mediterranean-inspired flavors make this perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings. What sets this version apart is its versatility - equally delicious served warm as a hearty dinner or chilled as a refreshing pasta salad. The combination of fresh basil and tangy balsamic vinegar brightens every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound bow tie pastapenne or rotini1:1
Works well with any short pasta shape
- 5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 15-ounce can pitted black olives, halved
- 8 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup lightly dried basil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil
- 2
Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions
- 3
Drain the pasta and set it aside
- 4
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat
- 5
Add the chicken tenders to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes on each side until golden and internal temperature reaches at least 165°F
- 6
Mix the drained pasta, olives, tomatoes, and basil in a salad bowl
- 7
Slice the cooked chicken tenders into bite-size chunks and add to pasta
- 8
Dress pasta with the remaining oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper, tossing to combine
- 9
Serve warm or cold
Tips
Let pasta cool slightly before adding chicken to prevent overcooking the meat from residual heat.
Reserve some pasta cooking water to loosen the dish if it seems too dry when tossing.
For best flavor when serving cold, let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Good to Know
Refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container
Can be made 1 day ahead and served cold as pasta salad
Serve warm immediately or chill and serve cold
Common Mistakes
Don't overcook chicken tenders to avoid dry, tough meat
Don't overdress the pasta to avoid soggy texture
Substitutions
Works well with any short pasta shape
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this pasta salad actually improves after sitting for a few hours. Make it up to one day ahead and store covered in the refrigerator.
What if I don't have chicken tenders?
You can substitute boneless chicken breast cut into strips, chicken thighs, or even cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
How long will leftovers keep?
Stored in the refrigerator, this pasta will keep for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop as it sits.