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Tomato Basil Pasta with Grilled Chicken

Tomato Basil Pasta with Grilled Chicken
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Tomato Basil Pasta with Grilled Chicken is a quick and flavorful dinner combining juicy grilled chicken, fresh cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is light yet satisfying, ideal for busy weeknights and offering a balance of textures and vibrant colors.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for seasoning and grilling)

Pasta & Sauce

  • 8 ounces pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and a little olive oil. Grill over medium-high heat until cooked through and nicely charred on the outside, about 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
  3. Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook gently until softened and their juices release, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes and garlic. Toss in fresh basil leaves and stir to combine. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the mixture seems dry to help the sauce cling to the pasta.
  5. Add Grilled Chicken and Finish: Gently fold in the sliced grilled chicken. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use ripe tomatoes and fresh basil for best flavor.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture is ideal.
  • Let the grilled chicken rest before slicing to retain juiciness.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
  • Season each component separately to build balanced flavors.

Nutrition

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

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