The Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken is a joyful celebration of summer flavors, featuring juicy grilled chicken marinated in balsamic vinegar, twirled with silky pasta, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a shower of fresh basil. This dish strikes the perfect balance of bright and savory, making it just as welcome at a cozy family dinner as it is at a breezy backyard gathering. The keyphrase brings together everything you want in a weeknight meal: satisfying, colorful, and infused with an irresistible Italian flair.

Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe has a starring role, coming together with simple elegance. From the vibrant cherry tomatoes to herbs and quality pasta, these staples build delicious layers of texture and flavor in the Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken.

Pasta (12 oz penne or spaghetti): Choose your favorite shape—spaghetti for a classic vibe, or penne for a little more bite and sauce-catching power.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 1/4 lbs): Slices beautifully after grilling and absorbs all the flavor from the marinade.
Balsamic vinegar (1/4 cup): The secret weapon in your marinade, adding tangy depth and caramelized notes to the chicken.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons, plus more for drizzling): Lends richness to both the marinade and as a finishing touch for gloss and silkiness.
Garlic cloves (2, minced): Provides aromatic backbone and warmth to the marinade.
Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the dish with that signature Italian herbiness.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning each element just right.
Cherry tomatoes (2 cups, halved): These burst with sweetness, balancing the tangy chicken and adding a juicy pop to every bite.
Fresh basil leaves (1/4 cup, chopped or torn): Bright, peppery, and aromatic—sprinkled in for the freshest color and flavor.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Salty, nutty, and melty over the hot pasta.
Optional red pepper flakes: For a little lively heat to suit your taste.

How to Make Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start off by whisking together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pour this fragrant marinade over your chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag. For the deepest flavor, let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (but if you have time, a few hours will make it even more flavorful!).

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. Drain and set aside, but don’t forget to reserve a splash of pasta water—sometimes a tablespoon or two helps bring everything together later on.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

While the pasta is working its magic, fire up your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken breasts for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, flipping once, until they’re cooked through with nice grill marks. Let them rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep the juices locked in.

Step 4: Bring the Pasta Together

In a large bowl, toss the hot pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a generous drizzle of olive oil. The residual heat will start to soften the tomatoes and release the basil’s aroma. Add your sliced balsamic grilled chicken and gently combine everything until evenly mixed.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Scatter the grated Parmesan over the top and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Serve the Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken warm for comfort or at room temperature for a refreshing twist—either way, it’s downright irresistible.

How to Serve Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken

Garnishes

Give this dish a finished look by tucking in a few extra basil leaves, another flutter of grated Parmesan, and maybe a drizzle of your best balsamic glaze over the top. Freshly ground black pepper always adds a nice kick right before serving.

Side Dishes

This meal feels complete on its own but shines even brighter when served alongside warm, crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad. If you’re feeling fancy, consider a platter of marinated olives or roasted seasonal vegetables for a beautiful color contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Take the Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken up a notch by serving it family-style in a big, rustic bowl with the chicken fanned across the top. For a picnic twist, pack it into mason jars for individual portions, or try swirling pasta nests onto plates for elegant plating at dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it fantastic as a cold pasta salad the next day.

Freezing

While the grilled chicken itself freezes fairly well, the fresh tomatoes and basil are best enjoyed freshly made. If you want to prep ahead, freeze the chicken separately and assemble the rest of the dish just before serving for the brightest flavor and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave individual portions on medium power until warmed through, or reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to keep the pasta from drying out. Enjoy warm or at room temperature, depending on your mood!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Penne, spaghetti, rigatoni, or even a gluten-free alternative can work beautifully. Just remember to cook until al dente so the texture holds up when mixed with the chicken, tomatoes, and basil.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

You can swap out the grilled chicken for grilled portobello mushrooms or cubes of marinated tofu. The balsamic marinade works wonderfully on veggies as well, so you won’t lose any flavor.

What’s the best way to marinate the chicken?

For maximum flavor, marinate in a covered dish or a sealed bag, making sure the chicken is fully coated. At least 30 minutes is fine in a pinch, but letting it sit for several hours yields even juicier, tastier results.

Can I make Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! Prepare everything ahead, toss together, and chill. Serve cold like a pasta salad, or let it come to room temperature just before serving for a fresher taste. Add a little fresh basil and cheese on top before serving to brighten things up.

What are some add-ins or variations I can try?

Feel free to add fresh mozzarella balls, toasted pine nuts, sautéed spinach, or even a handful of arugula. A little balsamic glaze on top makes for an extra bold finish and an irresistibly rich flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that is easy, vibrant, and absolutely packed with flavor, give Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken a place at your table. Its rustic charm and fresh ingredients never fail to make me smile, and I know your friends and family will love it just as much as mine do. Dive in and enjoy every colorful, garlicky, basil-scented bite!

Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful and flavorful dish featuring tender balsamic grilled chicken served over a bed of tomato basil pasta, garnished with Parmesan and red pepper flakes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti)

Balsamic Grilled Chicken:

1 1/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped or torn)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: red pepper flakes

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes.
Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill and cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until done. Let rest and slice.
Combine: Toss hot pasta with tomatoes, basil, and olive oil. Add chicken and mix gently. Top with Parmesan and red pepper flakes.
Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature.