This colorful dish features fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil, all tossed with pasta. Add grilled chicken drizzled with balsamic for a perfectly tasty meal! 🍝
Nothing beats a warm plate of this pasta on a busy evening. It’s quick to whip up, and everyone loves the bright flavors. I often save leftovers for lunch, and they’re just as yummy! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These cook quickly and are easy to grill. If looking for less fat, you can use chicken thighs instead. They are juicier and might give more flavor!
Balsamic vinegar: This adds a rich tang to the chicken. If you’re out of balsamic, you can mix red wine vinegar with a little honey for a similar taste.
Cherry tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes are the best for this dish due to their sweetness. However, if they’re not available, you can use diced regular tomatoes or even canned tomatoes in a pinch.
Fresh basil: Fresh basil is aromatic and bright in flavor. If you can’t find it, dried basil works too, but use less since it’s more concentrated. About one teaspoon should do!
Parmesan cheese: It’s not just for topping! It melts beautifully in the pasta. If you need a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the cheese.
How Do I Grill Chicken Perfectly?
Grilling chicken can seem tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll have juicy, flavorful results! First, marinating helps tenderize and flavor the chicken.
- Use medium-high heat for grilling. This allows a nice sear without drying out the chicken.
- Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes, but always check with a meat thermometer. Aim for 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest after grilling, about 5 minutes. This keeps it juicy when you slice it!
Easy Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces rotini or your preferred pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus some whole leaves for garnish)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time, for a total of around 45 minutes from start to finish. You’ll have a delightful meal ready in no time, perfect for busy evenings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. Place the chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes—up to 2 hours for even more flavor!
2. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente texture. Drain the pasta and toss it with a drizzle of olive oil to keep it from sticking together.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
4. Prepare the Tomato Basil Pasta:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for around 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for approximately 3-4 minutes, allowing them to soften and burst slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes and garlic. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything gently to combine and heat through for a couple more minutes.
6. Serve:
Plate the pasta and top with the sliced balsamic grilled chicken. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and whole basil leaves for a beautiful presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious meal!
This Italian-inspired dish beautifully balances the tangy flavor of the balsamic grilled chicken with a fresh and vibrant tomato and basil pasta—simple, fresh, and utterly satisfying!
FAQ: Easy Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works great, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, spaghetti, or farfalle. Just follow the cooking time suggested on the package for perfect results!
What Can I Substitute for Balsamic Vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar on hand, you can use red wine vinegar mixed with a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup. This will give you a similar tangy-sweet flavor that works well for the marinade.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this a vegetarian dish, simply replace the grilled chicken with grilled tofu or sautéed mushrooms for added texture and flavor. You can also add some cooked chickpeas for extra protein!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta and chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. You can add a splash of olive oil or broth to refresh the pasta!
