This Easy Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Chicken is a perfect weeknight meal! With juicy chicken and fresh tomatoes, it’s both vibrant and tasty.
I love how quick and simple it is to put together! Just toss everything in and enjoy a rich, hearty meal—you’ll have dinner ready in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: Rotini works great for this dish because its twists hold onto the sauce. If you can’t find it, any pasta shape like penne, farfalle, or spaghetti will do just fine!
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes add a pop of sweetness. Grape tomatoes are a great substitute. In a pinch, canned diced tomatoes can be used, but drain them well to avoid excess liquid.
Fresh Basil: Basil is key for that fresh flavor. If fresh isn’t available, you can use 1 tablespoon of dried basil instead, but the fresh kind really makes a difference!
Balsamic Vinegar: This adds a wonderful tang. If you don’t have balsamic, apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar can work, but the flavor will be different.
Parmesan Cheese: I love using freshly grated Parmesan since it melts beautifully. If you need a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do I Achieve Juicy Chicken with a Great Char?
Getting juicy, well-charred chicken is all about the marinade and cooking technique. Marinating adds flavor and tenderizes the meat. A quick cook on medium-high heat will give you those nice grill marks!
- Before cooking, let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes. This adds flavor and moisture.
- Heat your skillet well before you add the chicken. This ensures a nice sear.
- Cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink in the middle, about 5-7 minutes per side. Let it rest before slicing; this helps retain juices!
Easy Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Chicken
Ingredients:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or your preferred shape)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare, including cooking the pasta and chicken. The quick marination and cooking times make it a perfect choice for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes around 8–10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a bowl or a Ziploc bag and place the chicken breasts inside. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried oregano if you’re using it. Toss everything together to ensure the chicken is well coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb those lovely flavors.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a nice char, with no pink remaining inside. After cooking, remove from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
4. Prepare the Tomato Basil Mixture:
In the same skillet, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes along with a pinch of salt. Allow the tomatoes to cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly. Then, stir in the chopped basil, letting it infuse that fresh flavor into the tomatoes.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the tomato and basil mixture. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top and gently toss everything together until well combined. The cheese should melt and coat the pasta beautifully!
6. Serve:
Now it’s time to dish up! You can either serve the pasta on plates or keep it warm in the skillet. Top with the sliced balsamic chicken, garnish with extra basil leaves, and if you like, a little more Parmesan cheese for that added flavor.
7. Enjoy!
Dig into your flavorful, easy tomato basil pasta with balsamic chicken and savor every bite of this delightful meal!
This dish combines the tangy sweetness of balsamic chicken with the fresh brightness of tomato and basil pasta, making it simple yet incredibly satisfying. Happy cooking!
FAQ: Easy Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Chicken
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is a great choice, feel free to use any pasta shape you like, such as penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Basil?
Not a problem! If fresh basil isn’t available, you can use 1 tablespoon of dried basil instead. Just add it at the same time you include the garlic in the marinade for the best flavor infusion.
How Can I Store Leftover Pasta?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to keep it from drying out.
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken a few hours in advance or even overnight for extra flavor. Cook the pasta and tomato mixture just before serving to ensure everything stays fresh and delicious.
