If you’re after a meal that’s as vibrant and fresh as summer itself, look no further than Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Tomato Basil Pasta. Juicy marinated chicken meets sweet, garlicky tomatoes and fresh basil—this dish absolutely bursts with flavor, color, and the kind of hearty satisfaction you crave after a long day. It’s not just dinner, it’s a mini Italian getaway on your plate!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Fresh Flavor: The combination of sweet cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and the tangy kick from balsamic marinated chicken guarantees every bite is deliciously lively.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: No hard-to-find ingredients here—just kitchen staples working together to create a restaurant-quality experience at home.
- Perfect for Busy Weeknights or Gatherings: With make-ahead options and easy steps, this recipe fits weeknight dinners but shines just as brightly for dinner parties.
- Adaptable for All Eaters: Easily make it gluten-free or dairy-free so everyone gets to enjoy the magic of Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Tomato Basil Pasta!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how such straightforward pantry and fridge staples can come together to make something so comforting and special. Each ingredient in this Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Tomato Basil Pasta brings a punch of flavor—don’t skip a single one if you want restaurant-worthy results.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These make the perfect canvas for soaking up a bold balsamic marinade.
- Balsamic vinegar: The sweet-tart backbone of the marinade, giving real depth to your chicken.
- Pesto: Just a spoonful infuses the whole dish with herby, garlicky richness—store-bought or homemade both work!
- Honey: A touch of sweetness to balance the tang and bring out the best in those tomatoes.
- Red pepper flakes: For a subtle, welcome heat that keeps flavors lively.
- Kosher salt & fresh ground black pepper: The humble essentials for seasoning every layer perfectly.
- Pasta: Use your favorite shape—penne, spaghetti, or go gluten-free for dietary needs.
- Olive oil: To coax all the aromatics and tomatoes into silky, golden perfection.
- Garlic (minced or grated): Because hardly anything Italian-inspired happens without garlic!
- Cherry tomatoes (halved): Sweet, juicy, and bursting with color—they melt just right into the pasta, creating a light “sauce.”
- Fresh basil leaves (chopped): The emerald-green star of the show, basil brings perfume and freshness to every mouthful.
- Parmesan cheese (shredded): That nutty, savory finish that melts irresistibly over warm pasta and chicken.
- Balsamic glaze & extra chopped basil (optional): For those final restaurant-style drizzles and flecks of bright flavor.
Variations
Part of the joy of Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Tomato Basil Pasta is how easily it morphs to suit any craving or dietary goal. Don’t be afraid to improvise with what you have—here are a few ideas to spark your own kitchen creativity!
- Swap in Shrimp or Tofu: Not a chicken fan? Grilled shrimp or crispy tofu soak up the balsamic flavors beautifully!
- Play with Pasta Shapes or Grains: Switch things up with whole wheat pasta, quinoa, or even spiralized zucchini for a lighter, gluten-free twist.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or vegan parmesan in place of the regular cheese for a completely dairy-free delight.
- Add Extra Veggies: Toss in baby spinach, arugula, or roasted zucchini when you add the tomatoes for even more color and nutrition.
How to Make Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Tomato Basil Pasta
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start things off by placing your chicken breasts in a large freezer bag, tossing in all the marinade goodies—balsamic vinegar, pesto, honey, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Seal the bag tightly (press out that air!) and massage everything together. If you can, let this sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour, but overnight? That’s where the magic really happens.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken to Juicy Perfection
Fire up your grill to about 400° F and oil the grates for good luck (and to prevent sticking!). Lay the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 7-8 minutes per side, flipping once. Thickness varies, so use a thermometer—once the chicken hits 165° F internally, you’re golden. Let it rest for five minutes before slicing to seal in all those gorgeous juices.
Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Basil Pasta
Boil the pasta of your choice to al dente, being sure to reserve a half-cup of that starchy water before you drain the rest. It’s pasta gold! In the same pot or a skillet, swirl in olive oil over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant, just 30 seconds. Cherry tomatoes go in next, seasoned with salt, pepper, and a bit of red pepper flakes. Cook for several minutes until tomatoes are softened and juicy, then sprinkle in the basil.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
Return the cooked pasta to your tomato-garlic mixture, add a splash of reserved pasta water, and toss it all up until you see a glossy, light sauce forming. Adjust with more pasta water as needed—it should be saucy but not swimming. Top with slices of your balsamic grilled chicken, sprinkle on the parmesan, and finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and extra basil if you’re feeling fancy.
Pro Tips for Making Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Tomato Basil Pasta
- Marinade Magic: For the juiciest, most flavorful chicken, let it marinate overnight. The longer the chicken soaks, the more those tangy, herby, and slightly sweet notes will shine through.
- Grill Marks Equal Flavor: Don’t move the chicken right away—letting it develop good grill marks ensures caramelization, which means extra smoky-sweet flavor in every bite.
- Pasta Water Secret: Always save some pasta cooking water! Adding it gradually will help your tomato-basil mixture turn into a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to every noodle.
- Basil at the End: Stir in basil just before serving; high heat can dull its fresh, peppery brightness, so wait to capture maximum flavor.
How to Serve Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Tomato Basil Pasta
Garnishes
Don’t be shy with the finishing touches—shower your pasta with extra torn basil, more shaved parmesan (or a vegan alternative), and a generous zigzag of balsamic glaze. These last flourishes make the colors pop and invite everyone to dig in!
Side Dishes
This dish is a superstar on its own, but it’s lovely with a crisp green salad dressed in lemony vinaigrette or some warm, crusty bread to soak up every last drop of those tomato juices and balsamic marinade. If you’re really feeling like an Italian feast, a simple antipasto plate works beautifully alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For family dinner, heap the tomato basil pasta in a big serving bowl, fan the juicy balsamic grilled chicken on top, and garnish with overflowing herbs and cheese. For entertaining, try plating individual portions or serving in mini pasta bowls for a more elegant, restaurant-like experience. A few edible flowers or microgreens scattered on top can make it absolutely show-stopping!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Tomato Basil Pasta keep surprisingly well! Store the chicken and pasta in separate airtight containers in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keeping them separate makes reheating a breeze and helps everything taste freshly made.
Freezing
While the chicken freezes beautifully for up to 2 months, the tomato basil pasta is best enjoyed fresh, as tomatoes can lose their texture after freezing. If you need to prep ahead, freeze the sliced chicken and throw together the pasta component just before serving for best results.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, heat the chicken gently in the microwave or covered in the oven at 300°F until just warmed through. For the pasta, a quick toss in a hot skillet with a splash of water or olive oil works wonders—just enough to loosen the sauce and revive the fresh flavors.
FAQs
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Can I make Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Tomato Basil Pasta ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely! Marinate and grill the chicken in advance, then store it in the fridge. You can also prep the tomato basil pasta ahead, but for best texture, assemble the pasta with the warmed chicken and garnishes just before serving. This way, the flavors and freshness really shine.
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What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook the chicken another way?
No grill? No problem! Simply bake the marinated chicken at 425°F for 18-22 minutes or pan-sear it on the stovetop until cooked through. You’ll miss the smoky char, but the balsamic flavor comes through just as beautifully.
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Can I make Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Tomato Basil Pasta gluten-free?
Definitely! Just choose your favorite gluten-free pasta (there are so many great options these days) and follow the recipe as written. Every delicious element, from the chicken to the sauce, is already naturally gluten-free.
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What other proteins work in this recipe if I don’t want chicken?
This recipe is super versatile—try grilled shrimp, salmon, or even thick slices of grilled portobello mushroom for a delicious vegetarian option with all the same tangy, herby flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Tomato Basil Pasta is one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again—it’s easy enough for a quick weeknight fix, yet impressive enough for friends around your table. Give it a try, and let those sunny Italian flavors win you over bite after bite!
Print
Balsamic Chicken Caprese Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 38 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken is a delightful combination of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, tender grilled chicken marinated in balsamic and pesto, all tossed with pasta and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Balsamic Grilled Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon pesto
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
Tomato Basil Pasta
- 12 ounces uncooked pasta, gluten-free if needed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
- Balsamic glaze and extra chopped basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Balsamic Grilled Chicken – Place chicken and marinade ingredients in a bag, massage, marinate. Grill at 400°F for 7-8 mins per side. Rest before slicing.
- Tomato Basil Pasta – Cook pasta, reserve water. Sauté garlic, tomatoes, seasonings. Add basil, pasta, water. Toss and top with chicken, Parmesan, balsamic glaze, and basil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
