Name: Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 8 ounces pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti); 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Extra balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)

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If you’re looking for a show-stopping weeknight meal or an impressive dish for guests, Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken is your new secret weapon. This recipe marries everything we love about summer: juicy grilled chicken with caramelized tang from balsamic, sweet cherry tomatoes, fragrant fresh basil, and tender pasta, all topped off with a shower of Parmesan. It’s the kind of meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavor but feels totally doable on any night of the week—and yes, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s your simple shopping list for Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken. Each ingredient stars in its own way—whether it’s adding depth, brightness, or the irresistible aroma that makes your kitchen smell incredible!

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken gives you juicy, lean protein and takes on flavor from the marinade beautifully.
Balsamic vinegar: This is the magic in the marinade—it tenderizes and gives that signature sweet-tangy kick.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps keep the chicken moist on the grill while also giving the pasta silkiness.
Fresh garlic: Minced garlic infuses savory depth into both the marinade and the overall dish.
Italian seasoning: This shortcut blend brings together herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for classic Mediterranean flavor.
Pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti): Your favorite shape works here—perfect for catching all those saucy bits!
Cherry tomatoes: Halved tomatoes burst with juicy sweetness—so essential for balance and color.
Fresh basil leaves: Chopped basil adds that punchy, aromatic freshness only basil can give.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Gives salty creaminess and ties the whole bowl together.
Salt and pepper: These everyday essentials bring all the flavors out.
Extra balsamic glaze (optional): A final drizzle on top boosts tang and gives a finishing gloss.

How to Make Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start with the heart of the dish: the chicken. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pop your chicken breasts into a resealable bag or shallow dish, pour that gorgeous marinade right over, and give it all a good mix so every bit gets coated. Let the chicken soak up those flavors for at least 30 minutes—longer if you can. Even a short marinating time infuses the meat with so much flavor and keeps it extra juicy on the grill.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

When you’re ready, heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Lay the chicken breasts on the grates and let them sear for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through with lovely grill marks. The balsamic in the marinade is going to caramelize, creating that wonderful savory-sweet crust. Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes—this keeps it tender when you slice it up to serve with the Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is working its magic, boil a big pot of salted water and cook your pasta of choice according to package directions until just al dente. This is the foundation of the dish, so make sure not to overcook—nobody wants mushy pasta! Drain and return the pasta to the pot, ready for its tomato-basil makeover.

Step 4: Toss the Pasta with Tomatoes, Basil, and Cheese

With your pasta still warm, add the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, grated Parmesan, and an extra drizzle of olive oil. Gently toss everything together so the cheese melts slightly and the basil releases its fresh aroma. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Every bite should look like the most colorful summer in a bowl.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Divide the basil-tomato pasta into bowls. Slice your balsamic grilled chicken and fan it over each serving. For an extra hit of tang and a glossy finish, drizzle with a bit more balsamic glaze if you have it on hand. Serve your Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken warm, and watch everyone light up at the first bite!

How to Serve Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken

Garnishes

Take things up a notch with finishing touches: more fresh basil, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, and that all-important balsamic glaze. If you love a bit of heat, try a pinch of red pepper flakes or a crack of black pepper right before serving—little things that make Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This dish is fantastic on its own, but you can round out your meal with a simple green salad, garlicky roasted veggies, or a basket of warm, crusty bread to soak up every bit of sauce. A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water pairs beautifully for a relaxed dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken is incredibly versatile for presentation. Try serving it family-style from a big platter for sharing, or plate it in wide, shallow bowls for a restaurant-worthy look. For lunch or a picnic, chill any leftovers and enjoy as a vibrant pasta salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got some Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken left? Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually mingle and deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious for lunch or a quick snack.

Freezing

While you can freeze the grilled chicken separately, the fresh basil and tomatoes in the pasta won’t love the freezer, as they lose their lovely texture. If you’re batch cooking, freeze just the marinated raw chicken and thaw before grilling fresh for your next batch.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pasta and chicken in a skillet with a splash of water or broth, just until heated through. This keeps the chicken tender and prevents the pasta from drying out. Add a few fresh basil leaves or a squeeze of lemon for brightness when serving again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While penne, fusilli, or spaghetti all work beautifully, feel free to swap in your favorite pasta shape or even use whole grain varieties for extra fiber in your Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken.

Is balsamic glaze necessary?

Balsamic glaze adds an extra pop of sweet-tart flavor and a glossy finish, but the dish is wonderful even without it. If you have it on hand, though, it’s a quick way to elevate the final presentation of your Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap the chicken for grilled tofu or even sautéed mushrooms for a deeply satisfying vegetarian twist on Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken that everyone will love.

What’s the best way to slice the chicken?

After grilling and resting, slice the chicken breasts against the grain for the most tender bite. Thin slices or even bite-sized pieces will tuck perfectly into each forkful of pasta.

Can I prep any components ahead?

You sure can! Marinate the chicken a day in advance, and pre-chop your basil and tomatoes. This way, dinner comes together lightning-fast when you’re ready to assemble Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken, it’s bound to earn a spot in your regular meal rotation. It’s fresh, satisfying, and full of Italian-inspired flavor that brings everyone to the table. Go ahead—give it a try and see why this recipe is such a hit in my own kitchen!

Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

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

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Description

A delightful summer pasta dish featuring flavorful balsamic grilled chicken served on a bed of tomato basil pasta, finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. This Italian-inspired meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends and family.

Ingredients

Scale

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 Italian seasoning

For the Tomato Basil Pasta:

8 ounces pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Extra balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes.
Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side. Let rest before slicing.
Prepare the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and return to the pot. Add cherry tomatoes, basil, Parmesan, and olive oil. Toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble: Divide pasta into bowls. Top with sliced balsamic grilled chicken. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired. Serve warm.