Description
A delicious and easy recipe for Tomato Basil Pasta topped with Balsamic Grilled Chicken, perfect for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until they start to soften. Stir in the cooked pasta and fresh basil, mixing well. If the pasta seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the grilled chicken. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, dried oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the chicken breasts with the balsamic mixture and grill for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve the pasta topped with sliced grilled chicken and an extra drizzle of the balsamic mixture if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with grilled zucchini or eggplant.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor and creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg