Man, I still remember the first time I whipped up a batch of Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken. It was one of those chaotic weeknights where I was scrambling to get something decent on the table after a long day, and I just threw together whatever I had in the pantry.
The result? A dish so darn good my husband begged for seconds, and my picky eater kid actually cleaned their plate. I knew right then that this Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken was a keeper in our house.
I’ve made it dozens of times since, tweaking the recipe here and there to get it just right. There’s something magical about the fresh, zesty flavors of tomato and basil paired with the tangy, slightly sweet kick of balsamic-marinated chicken. Honestly, if you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser, my go-to Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken will not disappoint.
So, let’s chat about how you can bring this dish to life in your own kitchen. I’m excited to share my tips, tricks, and all the little “aha” moments I’ve had while perfecting this recipe for Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken over the years.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
For more recipes like this, check out creamy tomato bisque with grilled cheese croutons.
I’ve found that Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken is one of those meals that just hits all the right notes. It’s hearty enough to satisfy, yet light and fresh with those vibrant summer flavors, no matter the season. Plus, it’s pretty darn simple to pull off, even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen.
In my experience, the best part is how versatile it is. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing guests, this Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken always gets rave reviews. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a dish that looks gourmet but doesn’t require hours of slaving over the stove?
Ingredients List
I’m a big believer in using fresh, quality ingredients for my Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken. Honestly, it makes all the difference in bringing out those bold, Italian-inspired flavors. I usually buy my produce from a local market when I can, but even store-bought stuff works fine if you’re in a pinch.
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dish sing. I’ve broken it down into sections for the pasta and the chicken, so it’s easy to follow.
For the Tomato Basil Pasta
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or linguine, I prefer a thinner pasta to soak up the sauce
- 2 cups (400g) cherry tomatoes, halved for that burst of juiciness
- 1/2 cup (25g) fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped for maximum fragrance
- 3 cloves garlic, minced fine to meld into the sauce
- 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, for that rich, silky base
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground if you’ve got it
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, for a nutty finish
For the Balsamic Grilled Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680g), pounded to even thickness
- 1/4 cup (60ml) balsamic vinegar, for that tangy-sweet marinade
- 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil, to keep the chicken juicy
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning, for a herby punch
- 1/2 tsp salt, to bring out the flavors
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, for a little kick
These ingredients are the backbone of my Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken. If you’re missing something, don’t sweat it too much, I’ve got some swaps listed later on!
Variations
One thing I adore about Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken is how easy it is to switch things up based on what’s in your fridge or your mood. I’ve played around with this recipe more times than I can count, and here are some of my favorite twists. Trust me, they’re all worth a try if you wanna keep things fresh.
- Spicy Kick: Toss in 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the garlic while making the sauce for your Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken. It adds a nice heat that wakes up the dish.
- Creamy Dream: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone to the pasta sauce. I tried this once for a date night, and it was pure decadence.
- Veggie Boost: Add a handful of spinach or sautéed zucchini to the pasta mix. My kids barely noticed the extra greens in their Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken.
- Cheesy Overload: Sprinkle some mozzarella on top and broil for a minute or two. It’s gooey perfection.
- Herb Swap: If basil isn’t your thing, try fresh parsley or even a bit of oregano for a different vibe in your Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken.
- Protein Switch: Swap the chicken for shrimp or even grilled tofu if you’re going meatless. I’ve done shrimp before, and it’s a game-changer.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta. I’ve made this for a friend with dietary needs, and it worked like a charm.
- Balsamic Glaze Finish: Drizzle a store-bought or homemade balsamic glaze over the finished Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken for an extra punch of flavor.
Servings and Timing
I’ve cooked Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken enough to know exactly how long it takes in my kitchen. In my experience, it’s a pretty quick meal to whip up, even on busy nights. Here’s the breakdown for planning your dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 portions
These timings for Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken are based on how I roll in the kitchen, so adjust if you’re a bit slower with chopping or grilling. You’ve got this!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get down to business and make some Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken. I’m gonna walk you through this like I’m right there with you, spatula in hand. Follow along, and don’t be afraid to tweak as you go.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Pop your chicken breasts in a zip-top bag, pour in the marinade, and let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge if you’ve got time). I’ve learned that even a quick soak gives that awesome flavor for Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken marinates, boil a big pot of salted water and cook your pasta according to the package. I like mine al dente, so it doesn’t turn to mush when mixed with sauce. Drain it and set aside, saving a cup of pasta water just in case.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Heat up a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side until it’s got those nice grill marks and hits 165°F (74°C) inside. I’ve overcooked it before, so keep an eye out, ‘cause dry chicken ain’t the vibe for Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken.
Step 4: Make the Tomato Basil Sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium, then toss in the garlic for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, salt, and pepper, cooking for 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and saucy. Stir in the fresh basil at the end for that “pow” of freshness.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Toss the cooked pasta into the tomato sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if it looks dry. Slice the grilled chicken and lay it on top or mix it in, whatever floats your boat. Sprinkle with Parmesan, and you’ve got yourself a killer Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Plate this beauty while it’s hot, and maybe throw on a few extra basil leaves for looks. I’ve found that serving Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken family-style gets everyone hyped at the table. Dig in and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
I’m not gonna lie, I don’t always obsess over the numbers when I’m cooking Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken, but I know it’s helpful to have a rough idea. Here’s the breakdown per serving, based on six portions. Keep in mind, it varies depending on exact portions and ingredients.
- Calories: 450 per serving
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Sodium: 620mg
These stats for Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken are a decent guide if you’re tracking, but honestly, I just focus on enjoying the meal most of the time. I was inspired by tomato and basil pasta salad when creating this recipe.
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking to lighten up Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken, I’ve got some swaps I’ve tried that work surprisingly well. I’m all about balance, so these keep the flavor without totally derailing the indulgence. Here’s what’s worked for me.
- Whole Wheat Pasta: Swap regular pasta for whole wheat to add fiber and nutrients. I’ve done this plenty of times, and it’s a solid choice for Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken.
- Less Oil: Cut the olive oil in the sauce to 2 tablespoons and use a non-stick pan. It still tastes great, I promise.
- Turkey Breast: Use lean turkey breast instead of chicken for lower fat content. I’ve swapped this in for Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken when I’m watching calories.
- Low-Fat Cheese: Go for a reduced-fat Parmesan or skip it altogether. You’ll still get that umami hit for your Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken in ways that make it feel extra special, even on a random Tuesday. Here are a few ideas I’ve leaned on over the years, depending on the occasion or just my mood. Give ‘em a shot!
- With a Side Salad: Pair it with a simple arugula salad with lemon dressing to keep things light and fresh alongside Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken.
- Garlic Bread Bliss: Serve with crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. It’s a must in my house.
- For a Dinner Party: Plate it with a glass of chilled white wine, like Pinot Grigio. I did this for friends, and it was a hit with Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken.
- Kid-Friendly Twist: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for little ones. My kiddos appreciate it with their Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve made my fair share of blunders while cooking Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken, so let me save you some grief. Trust me on this one, these are pitfalls I’ve stumbled into myself. Learn from my kitchen flops!
- Overcooking the Chicken: I learned the hard way that over-grilling makes it tough as leather. Use a thermometer for Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken.
- Skipping the Marinade Time: Don’t rush the balsamic soak, or you’ll miss that deep flavor. I’ve done it, and it’s just not the same.
- Mushy Pasta: Cook it just to al dente, or it’ll get soggy in the sauce. Been there, done that with Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken.
- Not Seasoning Enough: Taste as you go, ‘cause under-seasoned sauce is a bummer. I’ve had to rescue a bland batch of Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken before serving.
Storing Tips
My friend at fresh tomato basil pasta salad has a similar recipe that you might enjoy.
I’ve found that Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken keeps pretty well if you store it right, which is awesome for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how I handle it in my kitchen. Give these a try to stretch your meal.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I usually reheat Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken with a splash of water to loosen the pasta.
- Freezer: Freeze the chicken separately for up to 2 months, but the pasta doesn’t freeze great. I’ve tried it with Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken, and fresh is best for the noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions
I get a bunch of questions about Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken, so let’s tackle the most common ones. I’m happy to help clear things up based on my own kitchen adventures. Here we go! For another great variation, check out sliced tomatoes salad with basil.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can prep the chicken marinade and even grill it a day ahead. Just reheat gently before serving with fresh Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
You can, though it’s not quite the same. Use 1 tablespoon dried basil if you must, but fresh really shines in Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken. Another great option is balsamic chicken with spinach and tomatoes.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries! A stovetop grill pan or even a regular skillet works fine for the chicken in Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken. Just get a good sear. My friend at chicken nugget dipping sauce has a similar recipe that you might enjoy.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
In my house, yes! My kids love the mild flavors, though I sometimes cut the balsamic tang with a bit of honey for them.
Can I make it vegetarian?
You might also want to try creamy tomato bisque with grilled cheese croutons.
Totally, skip the chicken or swap it for grilled tofu or veggies like eggplant. It’s still a tasty take on Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken.
How do I reheat leftovers?
I reheat on the stove with a little water or olive oil to refresh the pasta. Microwave works too, just don’t overdo it.
What pasta shape works best?
I’m partial to spaghetti or linguine ‘cause they hold the sauce well, but penne or farfalle are solid picks too.
Can I use store-bought balsamic glaze?
Sure thing, drizzle some on at the end for extra sweetness. I’ve done it, and it’s a quick upgrade.
Conclusion
I hope you’re as pumped as I am to try this Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken in your own kitchen. It’s been a staple in my home for years, bringing smiles and full bellies every time I make it. So grab those ingredients, crank up some tunes, and let’s cook up a storm with Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken tonight! For another great variation, check out chicken zucchini pasta recipe.