This Easy Tomato Basil Pasta is a fresh and tasty dish that you’ll love! With juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and tender pasta, it’s a simple way to bring summer flavors to your table.
And let’s not forget about the balsamic grilled chicken—it’s the perfect crispy topping that makes this meal extra special. I love making this on busy nights when I want something quick yet delightful!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe due to their quick cooking time. If you prefer dark meat, you can use chicken thighs instead. They’re often juicier!
Balsamic Vinegar: This gives a rich tangy flavor to the chicken. If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work as substitutes, but they’ll have a different taste.
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini because its twists hold onto the sauce perfectly. However, feel free to swap it out for any pasta you have, like penne or spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Cherry Tomatoes: Use fresh tomatoes for the best flavor. In a pinch, you can use canned diced tomatoes, but fresh ones give a better texture and taste in this dish.
Fresh Basil: Basil is key for the dish’s fresh flavor! If you can’t find it, dried basil can be used, but you’ll want to use less (about 1 teaspoon). Alternatively, fresh parsley offers a nice herbal note too!
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but it’s all about temperature and timing! Here are some tips to ensure perfectly grilled chicken:
- Start with room temperature chicken. Take it out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes beforehand so it cooks evenly.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan for at least 5-10 minutes. A hot surface helps to sear the outside and lock in juices!
- Don’t flip the chicken too soon. Cook for 6-7 minutes on one side before checking. Flip when it easily releases from the grill. Cook for the same on the other side.
- Let the chicken rest after grilling. This keeps it juicy! Slice it only after it has rested for about 5 minutes.
Easy Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken
Ingredients:
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
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Tomato Basil Pasta:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 20-30 minutes of cooking time. You’ll spend about 30 minutes waiting for the chicken to marinate if you choose, but it’s totally worth it for the flavor!
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or large zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if you’re using them, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the Cherry Tomatoes:
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and start to release their juices. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill the Chicken:
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes. Toss gently to combine and coat the pasta with the tomato mixture. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve:
Transfer the pasta to serving plates or keep it in the skillet. Top with the sliced balsamic grilled chicken, and garnish with extra fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
8. Enjoy!
Dig in and savor the delightful flavors! This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
FAQ for Easy Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While rotini works great for holding onto the sauce, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, spaghetti, or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
What If I Don’t Have Balsamic Vinegar?
If balsamic vinegar isn’t available, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken and replace it with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus. You can also add some chickpeas for protein!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or water to keep it moist.
