This Easy Tomato Basil Pasta is a colorful dish that mixes fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and tasty pasta. Top it off with grilled chicken drizzled in tangy balsamic for extra yum!
Honestly, this meal feels like summer on a plate! I love how quick it is to make, perfect for busy evenings. Plus, who can resist that combination of chicken and balsamic? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I like using rotini or fusilli for this meal because they hold onto the sauce well. If you want to avoid gluten, try using gluten-free pasta instead. Penne works too if you have it on hand!
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. If they’re not in season, you could use canned diced tomatoes instead. Just drain them to avoid excess moisture!
Basil: Fresh basil is key for flavor! You can substitute with dried basil, but use only a small amount, as dried herbs are stronger in flavor. If you can’t find basil, try fresh parsley for a different taste.
Balsamic Vinegar: This gives the chicken a tangy sweetness. If you don’t have balsamic, red wine vinegar works as a good alternative. For a sweeter taste, add a bit more honey or brown sugar to balance the acidity.
How Do I Get Perfectly Grilled Chicken?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll ace it every time! Start with marinating the chicken to add flavor and tenderness.
- Ensure your grill is hot before placing the chicken on it to create nice grill marks.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side. Resist the urge to flip it too often; let it sit to seal in flavors.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness – 165°F is the target. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy!
Easy Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra whole leaves for garnish)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Garnish:
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 30-40 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 15 minutes marinating the chicken (this can be done simultaneously while cooking the pasta), and the rest is for cooking and combining everything together. Perfect for a tasty weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), 1 tablespoon of olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little spice), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in the marinade and let them soak for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour in the refrigerator for best flavor.
2. Cook the Pasta:
While the chicken is marinating, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Take the chicken out of the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until it’s cooked through and has those lovely grill marks. Once done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
4. Prepare the Tomato Basil Pasta:
In a large skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s aromatic. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 3-5 minutes until the tomatoes soften and start to burst with juices.
5. Combine Everything:
Now, add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes and toss everything together. Stir in the chopped fresh basil to add that bright flavor.
6. Serve It Up:
Transfer the pasta to serving plates or leave it in the skillet if you’re serving family-style. Place the sliced balsamic grilled chicken on top, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese!
7. Enjoy:
Serve immediately while everything’s warm and delicious. Enjoy every bite of this colorful and flavorful meal!
This recipe perfectly balances the sweetness of balsamic grilled chicken with the freshness of tomato and basil pasta – it’s sure to be a hit!
FAQ
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini and fusilli work great, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, spaghetti, or gluten-free pasta if needed. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, consider using the stovetop over low heat with a splash of olive oil or water to bring back moisture, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Definitely! You can omit the chicken and add some grilled vegetables or keep it simple with just the pasta and sauce. A sprinkle of feta cheese or a dollop of ricotta can add great flavor while keeping it vegetarian!
What If I Don’t Have Balsamic Vinegar?
If you’re out of balsamic, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, so you might want to add a touch more sweetness (like honey) to balance the acidity.
