Description
A delightful dish combining the comfort of pasta with fresh summer flavors, featuring balsamic grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, and basil.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 8 ounces pasta (such as spaghetti or penne)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chiffonade
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken by combining balsamic vinegar, pesto, honey, and red pepper flakes in a resealable bag. Add chicken and marinate for at least an hour or overnight.
- Preheat grill to 400°F. Grill marinated chicken for 7-8 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 160-165°F. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In the same pot, add olive oil, cherry tomatoes, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Sauté until tomatoes soften, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add drained pasta and reserved pasta water; mix with tomatoes. Stir in basil and Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Serve pasta topped with sliced chicken, and drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired.
Notes
For the freshest flavor, use high-quality ingredients. Allowing chicken to marinate overnight yields the best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pasta, chicken, basil, tomato, balsamic, dinner