If you’re craving a dish that bursts with fresh flavors yet feels comforting and satisfying, the Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe is your go-to dinner solution. This vibrant dish masterfully combines tender balsamic-marinated grilled chicken with a lively pasta tossed in sweet cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a hint of garlic. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to linger at the table, savoring every bite, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. The harmony of tangy balsamic glaze with the creamy Parmesan finishes this dish perfectly, making it an all-time favorite that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe is in how simple yet thoughtfully chosen the ingredients are. Each item plays a crucial role, bringing depth and brightness to this dish, balancing the juicy grilled chicken with fresh, colorful pasta components.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that soaks up the balsamic marinade beautifully for tender, flavorful bites.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds a rich tanginess that creates a delicious marinade and glaze.
- Pesto: Brings herbaceous depth and a touch of creaminess to the marinade.
- Honey: A subtle sweetness that balances the tang of vinegar and spice.
- Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds a teasing heat to the chicken and pasta.
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper: To season perfectly and enhance every flavor layer.
- Uncooked pasta: Choose your favorite type, gluten-free works too, this is the comforting carb foundation.
- Olive oil: Essential for sautéing the garlic and tomatoes, as well as creating a luscious sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with a wonderfully aromatic backbone.
- Cherry tomatoes: Bursting with natural sweetness and color, they soften to create a fresh sauce.
- Fresh basil leaves: The star herb that gives the pasta its bright, signature flavor.
- Shredded Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a salty, nutty finish.
- Balsamic glaze and extra basil: Optional but highly recommended garnishes to elevate presentation and taste.
How to Make Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining the balsamic vinegar, pesto, honey, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a resealable bag along with the chicken breasts. Make sure each piece is well coated in the marinade. Let the chicken soak up those bright, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors for at least 30 minutes—longer if you have time, as that makes the chicken extra juicy and delicious.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Fire up your grill or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill, cooking each side until fully cooked and beautifully charred, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing—this keeps it succulent.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is grilling, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a half cup of the pasta cooking water before draining, as this starchy water will help tie together your sauce beautifully.
Step 4: Make the Tomato Basil Sauce
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden, about 1 minute. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes along with a pinch of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices—around 5 minutes. Stir in chopped fresh basil and a splash of reserved pasta water to create a luscious sauce.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return the drained pasta to the skillet with your tomato basil sauce, tossing gently to coat every strand or piece in that fresh, aromatic mixture. Add more pasta water if needed for a silky texture. This step is where everything comes together—fresh basil and juicy tomatoes wrapping the pasta perfectly.
Step 6: Plate and Top with Chicken
Slice the rested grilled chicken and arrange it over the bed of tomato basil pasta. Sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese across the top, then drizzle with balsamic glaze if you like, and finish with a handful of extra fresh basil leaves for that irresistible color and flavor boost.
How to Serve Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a scattering of fresh basil leaves instantly elevates the dish’s appeal. You can also sprinkle a bit more Parmesan cheese or even cracked black pepper for a little extra punch. These small touches make your plate look stunning and taste even better.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs like a dream with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad. If you want to round it out even more, a side of garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls is perfect to mop up every last drop of that scrumptious tomato-basil sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve the pasta in shallow bowls topped with artfully sliced chicken arranged like fanned petals. Garnish with edible flowers or basil chiffonade ribbons for a pop of color. You might even consider plating individual portions on large white plates to showcase the vibrant color contrast of red tomatoes, green basil, and browned chicken.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, simply store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe keeps well for up to three days, making it an easy option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
While the grilled chicken and pasta are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the chicken separately after grilling. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. The pasta sauce and fresh basil are not ideal for freezing, as the texture may change upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist, stirring occasionally. Reheat the chicken separately in the oven or microwave to maintain its juiciness. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out either component.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap spaghetti with penne, fusilli, or any pasta shape you love. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, and the sauce will cling nicely to almost any pasta.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-friendly without sacrificing any of the wonderful flavors or textures.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, preparing the balsamic marinade in advance is a great way to save time. You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the fridge to deepen the flavor, just keep the mixture chilled while marinating.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook the chicken another way?
No grill? No problem! You can cook the marinated chicken in a hot skillet or bake it in the oven until cooked through. Just be sure to get some nice browning for flavor.
Is the balsamic glaze necessary?
It’s optional but highly recommended. The glaze adds a beautiful tangy sweetness that ties the whole dish together and creates an eye-catching finish on your plate.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe. It’s packed with layers of fresh, vibrant flavors balanced by the tangy sweetness of balsamic, making it a comforting yet elegant meal. Give it a try the next time you want to wow family or friends with a dish that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. Trust me, this will quickly become one of your favorites too!
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Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This vibrant Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken combines tender, marinated grilled chicken breasts with a fresh, flavorful pasta tossed in garlic, cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil. Finished with Parmesan cheese and a touch of balsamic glaze, this dish is perfect for a satisfying and elegant weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Balsamic Grilled Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon pesto
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces uncooked pasta (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
Garnish (optional)
- Balsamic glaze
- Extra chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a sealable bag or shallow dish, combine chicken breasts, balsamic vinegar, pesto, honey, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and fresh ground black pepper. Seal or cover, then refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes up to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the meat is cooked through. Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, a pinch of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, then cook until tomatoes soften and begin to release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with tomatoes. Toss with the fresh chopped basil and add a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
- Serve: Plate the tomato basil pasta, then top with sliced balsamic grilled chicken. Sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese over the top. If desired, drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with extra fresh chopped basil for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken longer for more intense flavor, up to 2 hours.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for a silky texture.
- Balsamic glaze adds a sweet tangy finish but is optional.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add grilled vegetables or plant-based protein.
