Start by boiling a pot of water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the whole grain pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. The pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken breasts. Place them on a cutting board and cover them with plastic wrap. Using the bottom of a heavy-bottomed pan, jar, or mallet, gently pound each breast to about 1/2-inch thickness. This will help them cook evenly and stay juicy.
In a heavy-bottomed skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Make sure to coat the bottom of the pan generously with the oil. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and create a nice golden crust.
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This is crucial as it builds the base flavor of the dish. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken to the pan.
Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 1 minute until it gets a beautiful golden color on the bottom. Then, turn the breasts over to cook the other side. Lower the heat to low to ensure that the chicken cooks through without burning.
Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Cook for 10 minutes without lifting the lid. This allows the steam to cook the chicken and keep it moist. After the time is up, remove the skillet from the heat while still covered, and let it rest for another 10 minutes.
Check the chicken for doneness. It should not be pink in the center, or you can use a meat thermometer to ensure it reads 165 degrees F when inserted in the thickest part.
In a separate pan, combine the diced fire-roasted tomatoes, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, and honey. Heat this mixture over medium heat, whisking occasionally. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This will create a delicious balsamic marinara sauce that adds depth to the dish.
Once the chicken is done resting, slice it into strips or leave it whole, depending on your preference. To serve, place the pasta on the plate, top with the chicken, and ladle the balsamic sauce generously over both. Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Enjoy your Balsamic Chicken Fillets over Whole Grain Pasta as a wholesome meal that brings warmth and flavor to your table. Don't forget to share it with loved ones!
