Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken

Last updated on June 25, 2025

Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It brings together the delightful flavors of fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, and grilled chicken marinated in balsamic vinegar, creating a dish that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning. This recipe features a medley of vibrant ingredients that make it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.

Picture juicy chicken, perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection, served atop a bed of pasta tossed with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil. Trust me, your taste buds are in for a treat! Whether you’re an experienced chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is approachable, full of flavor, and sure to impress your family and friends.

Let’s dive deeper into why you’ll love this dish, what you’ll need to make it, and how to prepare it step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken

There are countless reasons to fall head over heels for Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken:

1. Quick and Easy to Prepare: This dish comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or impromptu gatherings.

2. Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of succulent grilled chicken and a light, tomato-based pasta means you’ll enjoy vibrant flavors that scream freshness.

3. Customizable: This recipe serves as a wonderful base, allowing you to tweak ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

4. Great for Meal Prep: This dish stores well, making it an excellent option for those looking to prepare meals in advance.

5. Impressive and Elegant Presentation: With its colorful components and elegant finish, this pasta dish will hold its own at any dinner party or family feast.

Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken

---

• Author: Sarah Mendez
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 2–3 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken combines juicy marinated chicken, fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan over your favorite pasta. A satisfying, colorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken & Marinade:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup pesto
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chiffonade
• Salt (for pasta water)
• Reserved 1/2 cup pasta cooking water

Optional Toppings:

• Balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Spinach or arugula (stirred in or served on the side)

---

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, pesto, honey, and red pepper flakes. Place chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish, coat with marinade, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight).
2. Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill to 400°F. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 7–8 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 160–165°F. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
3. Cook the Pasta: Boil water with salt, cook pasta to al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
4. Make the Sauce: In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté 30 seconds. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
5. Combine Pasta & Sauce: Add pasta, reserved pasta water, basil, and Parmesan cheese. Toss to combine and melt cheese.
6. Assemble & Serve: Plate pasta, top with grilled chicken, drizzle with balsamic glaze (if using), and garnish with basil and extra cheese.

Notes

• Marinating the chicken longer intensifies the flavor.
• Reserve pasta water before draining—it helps bind the sauce.
• This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.
• Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour marinating)
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course, Pasta
• Method: Grill, Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 530
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: undefined
• Unsaturated Fat: undefined
• Trans Fat: undefined
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 37g
• Cholesterol: undefined

Keywords: balsamic chicken pasta, tomato basil pasta, grilled chicken pasta, pesto balsamic chicken, weeknight pasta recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need for Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken

Essential Ingredients

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: This lean protein is perfect for grilling, absorbing the flavors of the marinade beautifully.
• Balsamic Vinegar: A star ingredient in the marinade, giving the chicken a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Pesto: Adding a layer of herby richness that complements the other flavors nicely.
• Honey: A touch of sweetness that balances the tanginess of the balsamic vinegar.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For a hint of heat to elevate the dish.

Pasta and Sauce Components

• Pasta: Choose your favorite type, such as spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing and enhancing the flavor of the sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a fragrant and savory note to the dish.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, these tomatoes add a fresh pop of flavor.
• Fresh Basil: Essential for that bright, aromatic kick.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated for a creamy finish that brings all the flavors together.

Optional Add-Ons

• Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle on top adds an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish to the dish.
• Vegetables: Feel free to toss in some spinach or arugula for added nutrients and flavor.

How to Make Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Begin by preparing the marinade. In a medium bowl, combine ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar, ¼ cup of pesto, 2 tablespoons of honey, and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Whisk these together until well combined.

2. Take the boneless skinless chicken breasts and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is fully coated. Seal the bag, or cover the dish, and refrigerate. Marinate for at least one hour, but if you have more time, letting it sit overnight enhances the flavor even further.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

3. When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to 400°F.

4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess marinade. Place the chicken on the grill. Grill for about 7-8 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 160°-165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and juicy.

5. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices. After resting, slice the chicken into strips.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

6. In the meantime, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add a generous amount of salt to the water (around 1 tablespoon).

7. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

8. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Halve the cherry tomatoes and mince 2-3 cloves of garlic. To chiffonade the basil, stack the leaves, roll them tightly, and slice thinly.

9. In the same pot you used to cook the pasta, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant.

10. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pot and stir. Cook until they soften, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Combine Everything

11. Now, add the drained pasta to the pot along with the reserved pasta water. This helps create a cohesive sauce.

12. Stir in the chiffonade of basil and about ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until combined, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

13. Divide the pasta among plates or a serving bowl. Top with the sliced grilled chicken. For an elegant finish, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and drizzle with balsamic glaze if using.

Serving Suggestions for Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken

This dish is wonderful on its own, but you can elevate your meal with a few serving suggestions:

• Pair with a Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the meal wonderfully.

• Serve with Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken

• Don’t Rush the Marinade: Allowing the chicken to marinate longer infuses it with flavor. If you can, try to marinate it overnight for the best results.

• Grill Marks Matter: If you want those beautiful grill marks, ensure your grill grates are hot. Avoid moving the chicken around to allow it to sear properly.

• Choose the Right Pasta: For a fun twist, try using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Each type brings a different texture and flavor to the dish.

• Adjust the Heat: Feel free to increase or decrease the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.

Easy Variations for Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken

• Add More Veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli can be added to the sauté for a boost of nutrition and color.

• Make it Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu marinated in the balsamic mixture.

• Add Cheese: A dollop of ricotta or burrata on top can add creaminess to the dish.

• Change Up the Sauce: Instead of a tomato base, try adding a light cream sauce or a lemon-garlic olive oil sauce for variety.

Storage Tips to Store Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken

• Refrigeration: Store leftover pasta and chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: While the pasta and chicken can be frozen, it’s best to freeze them separately. The pasta may become mushy when reheated. Use within a month for the best quality.

• Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to the pasta to help revive it. Heat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Conclusion

Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that showcases fresh ingredients and lovely flavors. With its ease of preparation and flexibility, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a delightful dinner with family or friends. This recipe not only satisfies hunger but creates lasting memories around the dinner table.

FAQs About Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken

Looking for more delicious recipes? Follow us on Pinterest and Facebook!