Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken
User Reviews
4.5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
23 mins
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Additional Time
1 hr
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Total Time
1 hr 38 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
482 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
Italian
Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken
Description
The balsamic grilled chicken is marinated in a mixture containing balsamic vinegar, pesto, honey, and red pepper flakes to impart a sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy flavor. Grilling at about 400°F cooks the chicken through while caramelizing the marinade, locking in juices. Resting the chicken post-grill ensures tenderness.
The tomato basil pasta is prepared by cooking pasta to al dente, reserving pasta water, and sautéing garlic and cherry tomatoes in olive oil. The pasta is then combined with the tomato mixture, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese, creating a silky sauce enhanced by the starchy pasta water and balanced with red pepper flakes. Optionally, balsamic glaze and extra basil garnish add complexity and freshness.
Serve the sliced grilled chicken alongside or atop the pasta for a complete plate combining protein and flavorful vegetables. This dish works well for a satisfying dinner with contrasting textures and fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
Balsamic Grilled Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breast boneless skinless
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon pesto
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- kosher salt fresh ground, to taste
- black pepper fresh ground, to taste
Tomato Basil Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta gluten-free if needed, uncooked
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced or grated
- 2 cups cherry tomato halved
- 2 tablespoons basil chopped, fresh leaves
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- kosher salt fresh ground, to taste
- black pepper fresh ground, to taste
- 3 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese shredded
- balsamic glaze optional, extra chopped for garnish
- basil optional, extra chopped for garnish
Instructions
Balsamic Grilled Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts in a freezer bag along with all the marinade ingredients. Seal the bag, pressing out the air as you do, and massage the marinade into the chicken. Let the chicken marinate for at least an hour or overnight.
- Preheat your grill to approximately 400° F. and spray or brush the grates with oil. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for approximately 7-8 minutes, then flip and grill another 6-8 depending on the size and thickness of the chicken. The internal temperature should be 165° F.
- Remove from the grill and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
Tomato Basil Pasta
- Cook the pasta according the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta into a colander.
- Return the pan or pot to the stove and add in the olive oil. Heat the oil over medium heat and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Add in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds then pour in the cherry tomatoes and season with salt, pepper and red pepper flakes.
- Sauté the tomatoes and garlic for several minutes or until they soften and release some of their juices. Add in the chopped basil and stir everything together. Pour the pasta back in with the tomato basil mixture along with some of the reserved pasta water and toss everything together. Add additional pasta water as need to create more sauce.
- Top with the sliced balsamic grilled chicken, parmesan cheese, balsamic glaze and extra basil.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 482 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 482kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 41g | 14% |
| Protein | 44g | 88% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 10g | 59% |
| Cholesterol | 100mg | 33% |
| Sodium | 179mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.