Balsamic Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

1 pound bow tie pasta

4 cups cubed cooked chicken breast ( I grilled mine.)

2 medium tomatoes, chopped

1/2 cup chopped onion

8 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

4 oz. mozzarella cheese, cut into small  pieces

1/2 cup olive oil

1 teaspoon dried basil or 3 teaspoons fresh (more if you like)

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

2 Tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

*Optional: fresh sliced mushrooms and shredded mozzarella cheese

How to make it:

Whisk the oil, basil, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, salt and pepper in a small bowl and set aside.

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain.  Transfer to a large bowl. Add the chicken, tomatoes, onion, bacon and mozzarella pieces.

* If desired saute mushrooms and onions in a tad bit of olive oil until they are softened.  Add to pasta mixture. 

Drizzle dressing over pasta mixture and toss to coat.  Add the parmesan cheese and mix in.  It is now ready to serve Option 1.

Option 2:  Pour it into a casserole dish.  Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and broil just until the cheese is melted.  

Serve!!  Makes for great leftovers!