Massa com frango à bruschetta

Ingredientes

• 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

Modo de preparo

1. 1

   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.

2. 2

   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.

3. 3

   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).

4. 4

   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.

5. 5

   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.

6. 6

   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.

7. 7

   Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan Cheese and additional basil if desired