Print

Tomato Basil Pasta with Grilled Chicken

Tomato Basil Pasta with Grilled Chicken
Print Recipe

Tomato Basil Pasta with Grilled Chicken is a fresh, vibrant, and satisfying meal combining al dente pasta, juicy grilled chicken, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it ideal for a quick, healthy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fusilli)

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for grilling chicken)

Tomato Basil Sauce

  • 3–4 ripe fresh tomatoes, chopped
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for sauce)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped

Optional Garnish

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
  • Extra basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the boneless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and drizzle with olive oil. Grill over medium-high heat about 6-7 minutes per side until grill marks appear and chicken is cooked through. Let rest before slicing thinly.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, then set pasta aside.
  3. Make the Tomato Basil Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté about 1 minute until fragrant without browning. Add chopped tomatoes and cook down for 5-7 minutes until softened and juicy. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss over low heat, adding reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick. Stir in fresh basil leaves and gently fold in sliced grilled chicken to warm through.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta and finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Garnish with extra basil leaves for color and flavor.

Notes

  • Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
  • Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
  • Reserve pasta water to help sauce cling to the pasta.
  • Add basil at the end to preserve its fresh aroma.
  • If no grill is available, pan-sear the chicken for similar results.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tomato Basil Pasta, Grilled Chicken, Quick Dinner, Healthy Pasta, Italian Pasta Recipe

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/tomato-basil-pasta-with-grilled-chicken/