If you dream of a dish bursting with summery flavors, vivid colors, and pure comfort, this Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe absolutely belongs in your repertoire. Picture juicy, char-marked chicken breast, fresh basil, ripe cherry tomatoes, and plenty of parmesan tangled with bites of perfectly cooked pasta. Every mouthful offers a harmonious balance of bright, tangy balsamic, herbaceous basil, and the mellow richness of cheese. Best of all, this meal is weeknight doable but impressive enough for company. Let’s make this classic with a twist together!

Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simplicity is the magic word here! Each ingredient in this Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe delivers an essential flavor, texture, or pop of color. Rely on the freshest items, and you’ll taste the difference in every bite.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless cuts soak up marinade and grill to juicy perfection.
Balsamic vinegar: Delivers sweet tang and caramelizes beautifully on the chicken.
Olive oil: Adds silkiness to the marinade and richness to the sautéed tomatoes.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses both the marinade and veggies with bold flavor.
Salt: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the pasta—don’t be shy!
Black pepper: Freshly ground pepper gives every element a gentle kick.
Pasta: Use your favorite shape; penne and spaghetti both let the other flavors shine.
Cherry tomatoes: Bursting and sweet when cooked, they become the heart of the sauce.
Olive oil (for sautéing): Creates the perfect base for blistering the tomatoes.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle heat that brightens up the dish.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for that ultra-creamy, nutty richness that ties everything together.
Fresh basil leaves: Chopped and sprinkled for a garden-fresh aroma and flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste: Finishing touches for the final balance of flavor.

How to Make Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by whisking together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Add your chicken breasts and turn them over several times so they’re nicely coated in the marinade. Cover and let them soak up all that bold, tangy flavor for at least 30 minutes—or if you have time, up to 4 hours in the fridge. The balsamic will tenderize the chicken beautifully and impart incredible depth.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Take the chicken out of the marinade and let any excess drip off. Grill the breasts for 5–6 minutes per side, flipping once; look for defined grill marks and a juicy interior. A rested 5-minute break afterwards keeps all the juices in. Slice the chicken thinly just before serving, so every forkful gets a generous bite.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is grilling, set a big pot of salted water to boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook until al dente. This keeps the texture slightly firm, which pairs perfectly with the soft tomatoes and succulent chicken. Don’t forget to save a splash of pasta water for the sauce—just in case you need a little extra moisture!

Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Basil Sauce

Grab your largest skillet and heat olive oil over medium. Scatter in the halved cherry tomatoes and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Sauté for about 5 minutes, tossing gently, until some tomatoes burst and release their sweet juices, forming a rustic sauce. Season with a bit of salt and pepper.

Step 5: Toss It All Together & Serve

Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the tomatoes and toss until everything is beautifully coated. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan and plenty of chopped fresh basil, letting the cheese melt luxuriously into every bite. Plate in wide bowls and top with those gorgeous slices of balsamic grilled chicken. A shower of extra Parmesan and basil never hurt!

How to Serve Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of Parmesan and a handful of fresh basil leaves are always a hit. For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle just a touch of balsamic glaze over the top—it’s a secret weapon that adds tangy sweetness. Want a little extra green? Toss some baby arugula over everything for fresh crunch and peppery notes.

Side Dishes

This Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe pairs fabulously with a crisp green salad, tossed simply with olive oil and lemon juice. Buttery garlic bread or a loaf of crusty ciabatta is perfect for swiping up any leftover sauce. You could even add roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus for a complete, colorful spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Take this recipe from weekday comfort to dinner party centerpiece! Try piling the pasta onto a napkin-lined wooden board for a rustic Italian feel, nestling the chicken on top. Or, use small pasta bowls for individual servings, then garnish each with a basil sprig and a twist of fresh black pepper. Even a family-style platter is impressive—just scatter everything generously and let guests help themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe (lucky you!), let the pasta cool completely before storing. Divide into airtight containers and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers especially tasty for tomorrow’s lunch.

Freezing

While the grilled chicken freezes quite well, the fresh basil and tomatoes are best enjoyed fresh. For optimal results, freeze only the chicken—wrapped tightly or in a sealed container—up to 2 months. When ready to serve again, prepare the pasta and tomatoes fresh for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place your pasta and chicken in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth, stirring gently until heated through. Microwave in short bursts if you’re in a hurry, but keep the power low so the chicken does not dry out. Top with a little extra Parmesan and fresh basil to revive those bright flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! The Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe is super versatile—penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free varieties work beautifully. Choose what you love or have on hand.

Is this recipe spicy with the red pepper flakes?

Nope! The red pepper flakes are entirely optional and meant just to add a whisper of warmth. If you prefer no heat at all, simply leave them out.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Ideally, let the chicken absorb the marinade for at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours if you have extra time. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will be.

Can I meal prep the Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe?

Definitely! You can grill the chicken and cook the pasta a day in advance. Simply toss everything together with fresh basil and parmesan when you’re ready to serve for the best flavor and texture.

What’s the best way to add more veggies?

This is a flexible dish! Stir in spinach, sautéed zucchini, or chopped roasted red peppers along with the tomatoes for even more color and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cheerful, crowd-pleasing meal that feels both light and seriously satisfying, the Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe is your answer. It’s vibrant, easy, and full of fresh flavor. I hope you make it soon—don’t forget to tell me how it turns out, and feel free to make it your own!

Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

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

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Description

This Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken recipe is a delightful combination of flavors that come together beautifully. Tender grilled chicken marinated in balsamic pairs perfectly with a fresh cherry tomato pasta tossed in olive oil, basil, and Parmesan. A versatile and satisfying dish for any occasion.

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
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Tomato Basil Pasta:

8 ounces pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Balsamic Grilled Chicken: In a shallow dish, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Marinate the chicken breasts for at least 30 minutes. Grill for 5–6 minutes per side, then slice thinly.
Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Tomato Basil Pasta: Sauté cherry tomatoes in olive oil with red pepper flakes. Add cooked pasta, Parmesan, and basil. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve: Top pasta with sliced grilled balsamic chicken and additional Parmesan if desired.