Caprese Chicken Pasta

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 c. balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 c. sugar
• 2 tbsp. honey
• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
• 2 tsp. Italian seasoning, divided
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 4 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 12 oz. cooked short pasta noodles (such as penne or spiral)
• 1 c. cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 oz. fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced

DIRECTIONS

1. Make balsamic glaze: In a medium saucepan, add balsamic vinegar, sugar, and honey and whisk to combine. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer until reduced by half. Remove from heat and transfer to a heatproof bowl to cool.
2. Meanwhile, season chicken with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons oil. Add chicken and cook until golden and no longer pink, 6 to 8 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and cut into strips or cubes.
3. Add cooked pasta to skillet and drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Season with remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and salt and pepper and stir to combine. Stir in tomatoes and cook until pasta is hot throughout and tomatoes are tender, 2 to 4 minutes.
4. Add chicken and mozzarella, then cover and cook until cheese is melty. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve.