Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe

Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken is a dish that marries simplicity with gourmet flavor. The balsamic marinade gives the chicken a tangy, slightly sweet kick that pairs beautifully with a fresh tomato basil pasta. This recipe is easy to make yet looks impressive, making it ideal for gatherings, casual dinners, or even a lovely meal prep option. Each bite brings you juicy grilled chicken, rich tomatoes, and a burst of fresh basil flavor.

How to Choose Quality Ingredients

• Tomatoes: For the richest flavor, use cherry tomatoes or heirloom varieties. The sweetness and firmness hold up well in the pasta, adding a burst of flavor.
• Basil: Opt for fresh basil leaves with a bright green color. They should be fragrant, without any wilting.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Choose a well-aged balsamic for a smoother, less acidic taste. It’s worth investing in a good-quality vinegar, as it plays a significant role in the marinade.
• Pasta: Choose a pasta type that holds sauce well. Penne and spaghetti are popular choices, though linguine adds an elegant touch.

Preparation Tips

1. Marinate the Chicken Early: The chicken should marinate for at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours will allow the flavors to infuse deeply.
2. Chop Ingredients Ahead: Halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the basil in advance to make assembly easier once the pasta is cooked.
3. Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Since the pasta will be tossed in a hot pan with tomatoes, cooking it to al dente ensures it doesn’t become mushy.

Cooking Steps

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken breasts and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

1. Preheat a grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. Set the chicken aside to rest before slicing.

Step 3: Prepare the Pasta and Sauce

1. Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
4. Toss the pasta into the skillet with the tomatoes. Add a bit of the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Slice the grilled chicken and place on top of the pasta in the skillet.
2. Sprinkle fresh basil and Parmesan over the pasta, tossing lightly to combine.
3. Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot.

Additional Tips and Techniques

• Grilling Technique: If you don’t have a grill, searing the chicken in a hot skillet works well. Cook over medium-high heat to develop a nice caramelized crust.
• Sauce Consistency: If the pasta seems too dry, add a bit more pasta water or a drizzle of olive oil to achieve a creamy texture.

Variations and Substitutions

• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to keep this dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add grilled zucchini or mushrooms for a hearty, vegetarian version.
• Dairy-Free: Omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Tomato Basil Pasta with a side of garlic bread or a light mixed green salad to keep the meal balanced. For an added touch, sprinkle extra Parmesan on top and garnish with fresh basil.

FAQs

1. Can I Use Store-Bought Marinade? Yes, a store-bought balsamic marinade can save time, though homemade is recommended for the best flavor.
2. Can This Be Made in Advance? You can prepare the marinade and pasta components a day ahead. However, it’s best to grill the chicken fresh.
3. How Do I Store Leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
4. Can I Use Sun-Dried Tomatoes Instead? Absolutely! Sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated flavor and can be a great alternative to fresh.
5. What Other Cheese Can I Use? Mozzarella or Pecorino Romano also work well in this recipe.

Conclusion

This Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken brings together all the flavors of a classic Italian meal in an easy-to-follow recipe. The fresh basil and juicy tomatoes combine beautifully with the tangy balsamic-marinated chicken to create a memorable, comforting meal. With options to customize and tips for the perfect preparation, this recipe is versatile and sure to be a family favorite. Enjoy exploring the flavors of Italy in every bite!

Yield: 4

Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe

Print

Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken is a dish that marries simplicity with gourmet flavor. The balsamic marinade gives the chicken a tangy, slightly sweet kick that pairs beautifully with a fresh tomato basil pasta. This recipe is easy to make yet looks impressive, making it ideal for gatherings, casual dinners, or even a lovely meal prep option. Each bite brings you juicy grilled chicken, rich tomatoes, and a burst of fresh basil flavor.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Balsamic Grilled Chicken:
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• For the Tomato Basil Pasta:
• 8 oz penne or spaghetti pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional Garnish:
• Extra fresh basil, chopped
• Additional Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to an hour for more flavor).
   
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and juices run clear. Remove from heat, let rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly.
   
3. Prepare the Pasta:
   While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
   
4. Cook the Tomato Basil Sauce:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, salt, and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until tomatoes are soft and slightly blistered.
   
5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
   Add the cooked pasta and chopped basil to the skillet with the tomatoes. Toss everything together to coat the pasta in the sauce. Remove from heat and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan, tossing again to combine.
   
6. Assemble the Dish:
   Divide the pasta among serving plates and top with slices of the grilled balsamic chicken. Garnish with extra basil and Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

• Customize: Feel free to add more veggies like spinach or mushrooms to the pasta for extra flavor.
• Pasta Options: Use any pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine or bow ties, for this versatile recipe.