Quick Tomato Basil Pasta with Grilled Chicken

If you’re craving a quick, delicious, and wholesome meal, look no further than this Tomato Basil Pasta with Grilled Chicken recipe. This dish combines tender grilled chicken with a vibrant tomato and fresh basil sauce, tossed effortlessly with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a flavorful dinner that feels gourmet but is ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe hits all the right notes—fresh, satisfying, and packed with color and taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Speedy preparation: From start to finish, this dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Fresh, vibrant flavors: The juicy tomatoes and aromatic basil provide a refreshing and lively taste that pairs perfectly with grilled chicken.
• Balanced nutrition: Combining lean protein with wholesome veggies and pasta ensures a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
• Simple ingredients: You’ll only need a handful of kitchen staples, making shopping and prep hassle-free.
• Versatile dish: Easy to customize with different herbs, veggies, or proteins to fit any preference or dietary need.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Tomato Basil Pasta with Grilled Chicken recipe relies on simple but essential ingredients that bring out vibrant flavors and pleasing textures. Each component, from ripe tomatoes to fragrant basil, plays a crucial role in building layers of deliciousness.

• Boneless chicken breasts: Choose fresh or thawed chicken to ensure juicy, tender grilled meat.
• Olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances both cooking and dressing the pasta.
• Fresh tomatoes: Use ripe, firm tomatoes for a bright, natural sweetness in the sauce.
• Fresh basil leaves: Adding these last keeps their flavor strong and aromatic.
• Garlic cloves: Minced for a savory depth that complements the tomatoes.
• Spaghetti or your favorite pasta: Al dente pasta provides the perfect base for absorbing the sauce.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances all other flavors seamlessly.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated cheese adds creamy, cheesy richness when sprinkled on top.

Variations for Tomato Basil Pasta with Grilled Chicken

One of the joys of this Tomato Basil Pasta with Grilled Chicken is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re vegetarian, craving extra spice, or want a low-carb option, you can tweak the recipe easily to suit your tastes and needs.

• Vegetarian swap: Replace grilled chicken with sautéed mushrooms or grilled tofu for a plant-based twist.
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to bring warmth and zing.
• Whole wheat pasta: Use whole grain pasta to increase fiber content and make it heartier.
• Extra veggies: Toss in spinach, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers for added texture and nutrients.
• Low-carb option: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles to keep things light.

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How to Make Tomato Basil Pasta with Grilled Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat, then cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side until it’s cooked through and has beautiful grill marks. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken grills, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to help create a silky sauce later.

Step 3: Make the Tomato Basil Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add chopped fresh tomatoes and cook until they soften and begin to release juice, roughly 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce. If the sauce seems thick, stir in some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Toss in fresh basil leaves and sliced grilled chicken, mixing gently to combine all the flavors.

Step 5: Serve

Plate the pasta while warm, and sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. A drizzle of olive oil on top adds a final touch of richness.

Pro Tips for Making Tomato Basil Pasta with Grilled Chicken

• Use ripe tomatoes: Opt for the freshest, firm tomatoes to maximize natural sweetness and vibrant sauce color.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Rest grilled chicken to keep juices locked in and avoid dryness.
• Reserve pasta water: This starchy water helps emulsify and bind your sauce beautifully to the pasta.
• Keep basil fresh: Add basil last to preserve its bright flavor and avoid bitterness.
• Experiment with cheese: Try Pecorino Romano or asiago for different cheesy notes.

How to Serve Tomato Basil Pasta with Grilled Chicken

Garnishes

A handful of freshly torn basil leaves, extra grated Parmesan, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes bring vibrant personality to this simple dish. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil can also boost richness and shine.

Side Dishes

Serve with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread makes a classic accompaniment that’s hard to resist.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this pasta in individual shallow bowls for an intimate dining experience or layered in a glass baking dish for family-style meals. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or sliced olives can add delightful texture and flavor pops.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Tomato Basil Pasta with Grilled Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

This dish freezes well. Portion it out and freeze in sealed containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers by warming in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or olive oil to prevent the pasta from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through but avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor, and make a wonderful substitute for breasts in this recipe.

What pasta works best for this dish?

Spaghetti, linguine, or even penne work well, but feel free to use whatever pasta you have on hand. Just aim for a shape that holds sauce nicely.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It’s perfect for meal prepping since it reheats well and maintains flavor when stored properly.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free version. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

How do I keep the basil from turning dark when cooked?

Add the fresh basil at the very end of cooking or just after removing the skillet from heat to preserve its bright green color and fresh flavor.

Final Thoughts

Give this quick and delightful Tomato Basil Pasta with Grilled Chicken a try the next time you want a wholesome meal bursting with fresh flavors. Its ease, versatility, and vibrant ingredients make it a go-to recipe that’s sure to impress and satisfy. Cooking dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be extraordinary, and this recipe proves exactly that.

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