Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe

If you love vibrant Italian flavors, my Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken is about to become a new weeknight obsession! This dish sings with juicy grilled chicken, sweet tomatoes, fresh basil, and a little sparkle of balsamic—every bite is savory, herby, and just the right amount of tangy. It’s a perfect marriage of pasta night comfort and summertime freshness!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing complicated here—each ingredient in this Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken plays a starring role and brings something wonderful to your plate. Let’s walk through what you’ll need and why it matters!

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: These soak up the bold balsamic-pesto marinade, turning out juicy, charred, and deeply flavorful when grilled.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a pop of tang and sweetness to the chicken, elevating it above the typical grilled variety.
• Pesto: Just a spoonful in the marinade packs in fresh herbaceousness and savory notes—shortcut to flavor town!
• Honey: A touch of honey rounds out the sourness and helps create those beautiful caramelized grill marks.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch brings mellow heat without overpowering; skip or add more to taste.
• Kosher Salt and Fresh Ground Black Pepper: Absolute essentials for seasoning every component just right.
• Uncooked Pasta (about 12 ounces): Any shape works here! Try spaghetti, penne, or even gluten-free options for your favorite texture.
• Olive Oil: The base for sautéing, lending rich smoothness to the tomatoes and garlic.
• Garlic: Finely minced for a gentle backbone of flavor that fills out every bite.
• Cherry Tomatoes: When halved and sautéed, they burst into a juicy, vibrant sauce that tastes like sunshine.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Chopped and stirred in for brightness; a sprinkle freshens up the whole dish.
• Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the hot pasta, adding a salty, nutty “finish” only real Parm can provide.
• Balsamic Glaze (optional): For swirling on top as a sweet, tangy finishing flourish—you’ll love it!

Variations

The beauty of Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken is how easy it is to adapt for all kinds of eaters or pantries! Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it—swapping an ingredient or two can lead to delicious discoveries.

• Make It Vegetarian: Skip the grilled chicken and add grilled portobello mushrooms or chickpeas for a protein boost—just as hearty and satisfying!
• Try Different Noodles: Use whole wheat linguine, gluten-free penne, or even spiralized zucchini for a lower-carb twist—each one brings its unique texture.
• Cheese Swap: While Parmesan is classic, try crumbled feta, creamy mozzarella pearls, or a dusting of pecorino for new flavor depth.
• Turn Up the Heat: Prefer more spice? Toss in extra red pepper flakes or even sliced fresh chilies with your tomatoes for a fiery kick.

How to Make Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Combine chicken breasts with balsamic vinegar, pesto, honey, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a large freezer bag. Seal it up, pressing out extra air, and use your hands to massage the marinade into every nook and cranny. Let the chicken sit in its flavorful bath for at least an hour—or, even better, overnight in the fridge for a truly mouthwatering result.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Heat your grill to around 400°F and brush or spray the grates with oil to ward off sticking. Place your marinated chicken on the hot grill and cook for 7-8 minutes before flipping. Continue grilling for another 6-8 minutes, or until a thermometer reads 165°F at the thickest part. Once done, let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes so all those savory juices stay right where they belong!

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is resting (and making your kitchen smell incredible), bring a pot of salted water to boil. Cook your pasta of choice according to the package directions, aiming for “al dente” for the best texture. Remember to scoop out about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining—it’s the secret to silky sauce later!

Step 4: Sauté the Tomatoes and Garlic

Return your pasta pot to the stove and warm up the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle gently for about 30 seconds—until just fragrant, not browned. Next, toss in your halved cherry tomatoes, seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let everything sauté for several minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and start to release their sweet juices.

Step 5: Toss Together & Serve

Stir the fresh basil into the tomato mixture, then add your cooked pasta along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss everything together so every noodle gets coated in that luscious, garlicky tomato sauce, adding more pasta water as needed for your perfect level of creaminess. Top each bowl with sliced balsamic grilled chicken, plenty of Parmesan, a swirl of balsamic glaze, and extra basil. Dinner is served!

How to Serve Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken

Garnishes

Sprinkle plenty of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and more chopped basil over each bowl to highlight those beautiful colors and aromas. A drizzle of balsamic glaze across the grilled chicken is also a showstopper—don’t skip it if you love a pop of sweetness and tang!

Side Dishes

Pair Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken with a lemony arugula salad or crisp Caesar for a lighter touch. Crusty garlic bread or warm, chewy focaccia always earns bonus points and is ideal for swiping up those extra saucy bits.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist on presentation, layer the pasta and tomatoes in a wide, shallow serving bowl and fan the chicken slices on top. Or try individual portions in rustic ramekins for a bistro-style meal that feels restaurant-worthy at home. A few extra basil leaves or edible flowers never hurt for a splash of color!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It keeps beautifully, making an easy, delicious lunch the next day.

Freezing

While the grilled chicken alone freezes well (up to 2 months in a freezer bag), the pasta and tomatoes are best enjoyed fresh for texture. If you must freeze the whole dish, cool completely and freeze in portions; be aware the tomatoes may release extra moisture upon thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of water or chicken broth to the pasta and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently. Sliced chicken can be reheated in a skillet or briefly in the microwave—cover to keep it from drying out. Add fresh basil or a touch more cheese before serving for that just-made finish!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I really hope you’ll try Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken soon—it’s one of those meals that looks gorgeous but feels easy and joyful in the kitchen. Whether you’re treating yourself on a busy weeknight or sharing with friends, this recipe is pure Italian-inspired happiness. Enjoy every bite!

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