Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe | Fresh & Flavorful
I just made this incredibly fresh and comforting Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe, and I can’t wait to share my version with you. It’s one of those meals that feels special even though it’s simple to put together. The juicy balsamic-marinated chicken pairs beautifully with the bright tomato-basil pasta, similar to the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves Recipe .
I recently tried, and every bite tastes like summer in a bowl. I love how light yet satisfying it is, and it’s perfect for busy nights when I want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. If you love simple recipes with big flavor, this one will win you over.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need, with a few tips and tricks for best results.
Balsamic Grilled Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts — cooks quickly and stays tender when grilled.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar — adds tangy sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon pesto — an easy flavor booster with herbs and richness.
- 1 teaspoon honey — balances the acidity and helps browning.
- Pinch of red pepper flakes — optional, for a soft heat.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper — essential for seasoning.
Tomato Basil Pasta
- 12 ounces uncooked pasta (your favorite shape) — gluten-free works well too.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil — use a good-quality one for the best flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced — fresh garlic is far better than jarred, similar to the garlic used in the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves Recipe.
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved — the sweeter and riper, the better.
- 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped basil — adds bright, aromatic freshness.
- Pinch of red pepper flakes — optional for a light kick.
- Salt and pepper — to taste and balance the dish.
- 3 tablespoons freshly shredded Parmesan — always grate it fresh for better flavor and melting.
- Extra basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze — optional for garnish and extra depth.
Note: These quantities make about 4 generous servings.
Variations
You can adjust this recipe to fit your taste or dietary needs:
- Swap pasta for gluten-free or whole-grain versions if preferred.
- Make it dairy-free by skipping the Parmesan or using nutritional yeast.
- Add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, broccoli, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
- Swap chicken for grilled shrimp or marinated tofu for an alternative protein.
- Add a spoonful of extra pesto for a more herb-forward flavor.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: About 38 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Grill or grill pan — for getting that delicious char on the chicken.
- Large pot — to boil the pasta.
- Colander — to drain cooked pasta.
- Large skillet — to sauté tomatoes and toss everything together.
- Cutting board and knife — for slicing chicken and prepping vegetables.
- Measuring spoons/cups — to keep ingredient amounts accurate.
How to Make Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken
A simple, step-by-step guide to creating this flavorful recipe.
Marinate and Grill the Chicken
Start by combining balsamic vinegar, pesto, honey, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a bag or bowl. Add the chicken and let it marinate for at least an hour to soak up flavor. Grill over medium-high heat until fully cooked, then let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Cook the Pasta
While the chicken cooks, boil your pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve a little pasta water before draining—this helps create a silky sauce later. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the tomatoes.
Make the Tomato Basil Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook the garlic just until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and season them, letting them soften and release their juices. Stir in the basil and reserved pasta water, then toss the pasta in until everything is lightly coated.
Combine and Serve
Top the pasta with sliced grilled chicken. Add Parmesan, extra basil, and an optional drizzle of balsamic glaze. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
A few things I learned from making this recipe more than once:
- I always marinate the chicken overnight when possible — the flavor becomes deeper and richer.
- I keep a little extra pesto on hand to stir in at the end if I want a brighter herb flavor.
- I add a splash of olive oil after tossing the pasta to keep it silky and prevent sticking.
- I use the ripest cherry tomatoes I can find because they make the sauce naturally sweeter.
- I sometimes add baby spinach to the warm pasta — it wilts perfectly and adds extra nutrition.
How to Serve Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken
Serve the pasta in wide shallow bowls so the chicken can be fanned over the top for a pretty presentation. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan and basil, and finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for color and shine. Pair it with a side salad or warm bread to complete the meal.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving:
- Calories: Around 480
- Protein: About 44 g
- Carbohydrates: About 41 g
- Fat: Around 15 g
Make Ahead and Storage
Refrigerating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of water, broth, or olive oil to bring the pasta back to life.
Freezing
Freezing the pasta with fresh tomatoes isn’t ideal, as the texture changes. If needed, freeze only the grilled chicken and cook fresh pasta and tomatoes when serving.
Reheating
Warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Make sure to add a bit of liquid to keep the dish from drying out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s what makes this dish a keeper:
- Fresh, bright flavors: Basil, tomatoes, and balsamic chicken make every bite vibrant.
- Quick and easy prep: It comes together fast but still feels special.
- Super customizable: Add veggies, change proteins, or adapt for dietary needs.
- Balanced meal: Protein, carbs, and healthy fats in one complete dish.
- Light but satisfying: Perfect for warm weather or when you want something flavorful but not heavy.
Tomato Basil Pasta With Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by combining balsamic vinegar, pesto, honey, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a bag or bowl. Add the chicken and let it marinate for at least an hour to soak up flavor. Grill over medium-high heat until fully cooked, then let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- While the chicken cooks, boil your pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve a little pasta water before draining—this helps create a silky sauce later. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the tomatoes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook the garlic just until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and season them, letting them soften and release their juices. Stir in the basil and reserved pasta water, then toss the pasta in until everything is lightly coated.
- Top the pasta with sliced grilled chicken. Add Parmesan, extra basil, and an optional drizzle of balsamic glaze. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- I always marinate the chicken overnight when possible — the flavor becomes deeper and richer.
- I keep a little extra pesto on hand to stir in at the end if I want a brighter herb flavor.
- I add a splash of olive oil after tossing the pasta to keep it silky and prevent sticking.
- I use the ripest cherry tomatoes I can find because they make the sauce naturally sweeter.
- I sometimes add baby spinach to the warm pasta — it wilts perfectly and adds extra nutrition.