I created a vibrant pasta dish that marries juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic-tossed pasta with tender balsamic-marinated chicken grilled to perfection. It’s a fresh, flavorful dinner that feels both comforting and light. Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish offers a perfect balance—bright, tangy, herbaceous, and comforting all at once. The balsamic marinade brings a rich depth to the chicken, while the tomato‑basil pasta shines with freshness. It’s effortless to make yet impressive enough for guests.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Balsamic Grilled Chicken

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp pesto
1 tsp honey
Pinch red pepper flakes
Kosher salt & fresh ground black pepper

Tomato Basil Pasta

12 oz uncooked pasta (use gluten‑free if preferred)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil leaves
Pinch red pepper flakes
Kosher salt & fresh ground black pepper
3 tbsp shredded Parmesan cheese
Balsamic glaze and extra chopped basil for garnish (optional)

directions

Marinate the chicken. In a resealable bag, combine chicken with balsamic vinegar, pesto, honey, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Massage the marinade into the chicken and let it sit for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
Grill the chicken. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high (around 400 °F). Oil the grates and grill the chicken for about 7–8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 °F. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Cook the pasta. Boil salted water and cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
Make the pasta sauce. In the pasta pot over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, then stir in cherry tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook until tomatoes begin to soften and release juices.
Combine. Return pasta to the pot, add tomatoes and basil, and stir. Gradually add reserved pasta water until a light sauce forms that coats the pasta. Stir in Parmesan and adjust seasoning.
Serve. Top pasta with sliced balsamic chicken. Garnish with extra Parmesan, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 23 minutes
Marinating: 1 hour (minimum)
Total time: Approximately 1 hour 38 minutes including marinade

Variations

I sometimes skip the chicken to make a vegetarian version. I’ve swapped gluten-free pasta with success—just undercook by one minute for perfect texture. Some days I add bell peppers or zucchini to the tomato sauté for extra veggies.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of olive oil or a little vegetable broth to restore moisture. I reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

I can prep the chicken and marinate it the night before. The pasta sauce can also be made in advance—just combine with freshly cooked pasta later.

2. What if I don’t have balsamic glaze?

No problem—I like using a simple drizzle of balsamic vinegar or a mix of vinegar and honey as a glaze substitute.

3. Can I use another cut of chicken?

Absolutely—I’ve used chicken thighs as well. Just adjust cooking time until they reach 165 °F internally.

4. Is this suitable for meal prep?

Totally. I portion it out into containers and store leftovers. It reheats well and tastes great for lunches.

5. What pasta shape works best?

I usually use penne or fusilli, but any pasta that holds sauce works beautifully here.

Conclusion

I find this Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken both satisfying and refreshing—perfect for a balanced weeknight dinner. It delivers bright flavors, hearty protein, and simple prep. Plus, the leftovers stay delicious for days. I hope it becomes a go-to in my kitchen and yours!