This pasta dish is a summer favorite with fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and tender grilled chicken drizzled with balsamic vinegar. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
You can whip this up in no time, and it smells amazing while cooking! I love serving it with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, making it even tastier—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for grilling. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use chicken thighs for more flavor or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Balsamic Vinegar: This gives the chicken a delicious tang. If you don’t have balsamic, you could substitute it with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, but the flavor will be a bit different.
Pasta: I chose rotini for its ability to hold onto sauce. But feel free to swap it for any pasta you prefer, like penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
Cherry Tomatoes: These are sweeter and juicier, perfect for this dish. If they’re out of season, you can use canned diced tomatoes. Just drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture.
Fresh Basil: Basil really brings freshness to the dish. If you don’t have it, try using dried basil or even a bit of parsley. You could also swap basil for spinach, which adds a nice color and nutrition.
What’s the Best Way to Marinate Chicken for Flavor?
Marinating chicken is key to adding depth of flavor. For this recipe, blend balsamic vinegar and olive oil with garlic and herbs to soak the chicken. Follow these simple steps:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl.
- Add the chicken, ensuring it’s fully covered.
- Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. The longer, the better—up to 2 hours is perfect for infusing flavor!
Just remember to let excess marinade drip off before grilling to avoid flare-ups and ensure a nice sear on the chicken.
How Can You Get the Perfect Grilled Chicken?
Grilling can be tricky, but here are simple tips to ensure your chicken turns out perfectly:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat before cooking.
- Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side. Check for grill marks and don’t flip too often.
- Let it rest after cooking. This keeps the juices inside, making the chicken tender and juicy—no one likes dry chicken!
Following these tips will help you achieve flavorful and perfectly grilled chicken every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Balsamic Grilled Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Tomato Basil Pasta:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (or your favorite pasta)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced, plus whole leaves for garnish
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish will take about 15 minutes to prep and about 20 minutes to cook. You will need to marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes (up to 2 hours, if you have the time). Overall, you could be enjoying this delicious meal in about 35-40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by mixing the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 20 minutes, but if you have more time, let it sit for up to 2 hours for even more flavor.
2. Cook the Pasta:
While the chicken is marinating, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. When ready, drain the pasta and reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside for later.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Take the marinated chicken out of the refrigerator and let any excess marinade drip off. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it is cooked through and has nice grill marks. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it thinly.
4. Prepare the Tomato Basil Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and, if you’re using them, the red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant. Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes, along with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Cook everything together for about 5-7 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and start to release their juices. Now, add the cooked pasta to this skillet, tossing everything together. If the pasta looks a bit dry, stir in reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Finally, mix in the sliced fresh basil and half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Assemble and Serve:
Now it’s time to serve! You can either place the tomato basil pasta on individual serving plates or leave it in the skillet for a more family-style feast. Top each serving with the sliced balsamic grilled chicken. Garnish with whole basil leaves and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top. Serve this delicious dish warm, and enjoy every bite!
This dish combines grilled chicken’s savory flavors with the freshness of basil and tomatoes in a delightful pasta dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests!
FAQ for Easy Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works great, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of olive oil or water to bring back some moisture.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can definitely prepare the chicken and pasta in advance. Marinate the chicken and cook it, then refrigerate it. You can also cook the pasta beforehand. When you’re ready to serve, just toss everything together and warm it up!
What Can I Use Instead of Balsamic Vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Both will give you a tangy flavor but note that the taste will differ slightly from the original recipe.
