This Easy Tomato Basil Pasta is a bright and tasty dish, packed with fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil. Pair it with juicy balsamic grilled chicken for a meal that feels special but is super simple!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is great for this dish. If you’re looking for a quicker option, pre-cooked grilled chicken strips work too. I sometimes use turkey for a nice twist!
Balsamic Vinegar: This adds a tangy flavor to the chicken. If you’re out of balsamic, try red wine vinegar or a mix of lemon juice with a bit of honey for a different profile.
Rotini Pasta: This spiral shape holds sauce well. However, any pasta works! You can substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
Cherry Tomatoes: They bring freshness and sweetness; grape tomatoes are a good substitute. If neither is available, use canned diced tomatoes; just drain them well.
Fresh Basil: Basil gives the dish its aroma. If you don’t have fresh, dried basil works too—just use about a teaspoon instead of a quarter cup.
How Do I Grill Chicken to Perfection?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but it’s all about temperature and timing! Here’s how to get juicy, flavorful chicken:
- Make sure your grill is hot—medium-high heat is best. Preheat for about 10 minutes.
- Pat the chicken dry before adding it to the marinade; this helps with even cooking.
- Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, depending on thickness. Use a meat thermometer if you want to be precise—it should read 165°F.
- After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, making it more tender when you slice it.
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
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz rotini or spiral pasta
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus more whole leaves for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 30 minutes total to prepare. You’ll spend about 15 minutes marinating the chicken, plus another 15 minutes for cooking both the chicken and pasta. In no time at all, you’ll have a tasty meal to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they’re well-coated. Cover and let marinate for at least 15 minutes. If you have more time, refrigerating for up to 2 hours is even better!
2. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook following the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for now.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Take the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, depending on thickness, until fully cooked and you see nice grill marks. Once done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into strips.
4. Prepare the Tomato Basil Pasta:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Next, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften slightly but still retain their juiciness.
5. Combine the Pasta:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the cooked pasta to the tomatoes and give it a good toss. Mix in the chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
6. Serve:
Transfer your fresh, colorful pasta to a serving bowl or individual plates. Arrange the sliced balsamic grilled chicken on top. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a beautiful finish!
7. Enjoy!
Serve this warm and savor the delightful flavors of your easy tomato basil pasta paired with juicy grilled chicken. Bon appétit!
FAQ for Easy Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for this recipe, you can substitute with any pasta shape you like, such as penne, farfalle, or even whole wheat pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Is There a Vegetarian Option for This Recipe?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken and replacing it with grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or portobello mushrooms. Simply marinate the veggies in balsamic vinegar for a similar flavor.
How Should Leftovers Be Stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of olive oil or water to prevent dryness.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the pasta earlier in the day. Just keep everything covered in the fridge. When ready to serve, grill the chicken and toss everything together for a quick and easy meal!
