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Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken

Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken Delight

Enjoy fresh and vibrant Tomato Basil Pasta with Balsamic Grilled Chicken, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marinating Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 4 plates
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 2 pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts Can substitute with tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
  • 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar Use red wine vinegar for a different flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Pesto Store-bought or homemade works well.
  • 1 tablespoon Honey Can be omitted or substituted with agave syrup.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Omit for a milder flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
For the Pasta and Sauce
  • 12 oz Uncooked Pasta Gluten-free pasta can be used as a substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Use avocado oil as an alternative.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Can replace with garlic powder in a pinch.
  • 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes Substitute with any preferred fresh tomato type.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Basil Leaves Other herbs like parsley can be used if basil is unavailable.
  • 3 tablespoons Shredded Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast can substitute for a vegan option.
  • Balsamic Glaze Optional garnish.
  • Extra Basil Optional garnish.

Equipment

  • grill
  • large pot
  • resealable bag
  • Skillet

Method
 

Marinate and Grill Chicken
  1. In a resealable bag, combine boneless skinless chicken breasts with balsamic vinegar, pesto, honey, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Seal the bag and massage gently to ensure even coating. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
  2. Preheat your grill to 400°F (200°C). Once heated, place the marinated chicken on the grill and close the lid. Grill for 7-8 minutes on each side until an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) is reached and chicken has nice grill marks. Remove from grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
Cook Pasta and Combine
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add your uncooked pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, roughly 8-10 minutes. Just before draining, reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water.
  2. In the same pot used for cooking pasta, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add halved cherry tomatoes, a pinch of salt and pepper, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and start to burst.
  3. Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sautéed tomatoes, tossing everything together. Gradually mix in the reserved pasta water, starting with a quarter cup and adjusting until achieving your desired sauce consistency. Fold in the fresh basil leaves.
Serve
  1. To plate your dish, first create a bed of the tomato basil pasta on each plate, then lay the sliced grilled chicken on top. Finish with a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Add more fresh basil leaves for an appealing garnish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 38gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Pair with a side salad or warm garlic bread for a delightful meal.

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