This Easy Tomato Basil Pasta is fresh and tasty, made with ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and perfectly cooked pasta. The balsamic grilled chicken adds a yummy twist that’s hard to resist!
I love how quick this dish comes together. It’s great for busy nights when you want a delicious meal without too much fuss! Plus, the smell of basil fills the kitchen—heavenly!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless breasts are great for grilling. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for more flavor, or even tofu for a plant-based option!
Balsamic Vinegar: This adds a tangy sweetness. If you’re in a pinch, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work too, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Pasta: Rotini or fusilli works well for holding the sauce, but you can use any pasta shape you have on hand. Penne or spaghetti are also great choices!
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh is best for this dish, but canned diced tomatoes can be a quick substitute. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they heat through.
Fresh Basil: This provides awesome flavor. If you don’t have fresh basil, dried basil can work, but use half the amount since dried is more concentrated.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken properly can make a big difference in flavor and texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- **Marinate Well**: Let the chicken soak up the marinade for at least 30 minutes. This keeps it juicy and adds flavor.
- **Preheat Your Grill**: Make sure your grill is hot before adding the chicken. This helps create those beautiful grill marks and seals in moisture.
- **Don’t Overcook**: Grill each side for about 5-7 minutes, until the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy!
- **Rest the Chicken**: After grilling, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices inside, resulting in a more tender bite.
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 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus some whole leaves for garnish)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and approximately 20-25 minutes for cooking. If you marinate the chicken for a bit longer (ideally 1-2 hours), it will develop even more flavor. All in all, you can enjoy this meal in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—1 to 2 hours is even better for flavor.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly.
3. Grill the Chicken:
While the pasta cooks, preheat a grill pan or an outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and you see nice char marks. Once done, remove from heat and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
4. Prepare the Tomato Basil Sauce:
While the chicken is grilling, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for about 4-5 minutes, until they start to soften and release their juices. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes, tossing everything together gently. Stir in the chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—it should be fresh and flavorful!
6. Serve:
Divide the pasta among plates or serve it straight from the skillet. Top each serving with sliced balsamic grilled chicken. Garnish with whole basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Bon appétit!
FAQ for Easy Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini or fusilli work great for this recipe, feel free to use any pasta you have on hand—penne, spaghetti, or even whole grain pasta will work perfectly!
What Can I Substitute for Balsamic Vinegar?
If you’re out of balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be good alternatives. Just note that the flavor will be a bit different, but still delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to prevent sticking.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the grilled chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini or eggplant, or even use tofu for a protein boost. Just adjust the grilling time accordingly!
