Chicken Basil Tomato Pasta

There’s something about the combination of fresh ingredients that brings me back to my home kitchen every time I think of Chicken Basil Tomato Pasta. I remember the first time I tried this dish; it was a warm summer evening, and the aroma of sautéed garlic and basil wafted through my home, drawing everyone to the table. It’s one of those meals that encapsulates the essence of summer, where every bite bursts with flavor and freshness. This dish not only satiates hunger but also warms the heart, making it a perfect go-to for family dinners or special gatherings.

Chicken Basil Tomato Pasta Ingredients

When creating Chicken Basil Tomato Pasta, it’s vital to choose quality ingredients that will elevate the dish to new heights. The harmony between the tender chicken, sweet tomatoes, and fresh basil creates a delightful balance that’s both satisfying and refreshing.

• 1 pound Chicken breasts, chopped into 1-inch pieces: Tender and juicy, chicken is the protein that makes this dish hearty and fulfilling.
• 1 pound Thin spaghetti or pasta of choice: This serves as the base of the dish, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil, divided: This adds richness and helps cook the chicken to perfection.
• 2 pints Cherry/Grape tomatoes: Their sweetness and juiciness burst in your mouth, adding a fresh component.
• 1/2 Red onion, chopped: Adds a mild sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed.
• 4-6 Garlic cloves, minced: Essential for building flavor, garlic adds aromatic depth.
• 1/4 cup Packed basil, chopped: The star herb that brightens the entire dish with its fragrant essence.
• ½ cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a creamy, salty bite that enhances the overall taste.
• 1/3 cup Extra virgin olive oil: Used to bring everything together and add a layer of richness.
• 3 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar: Provides a tangy sweetness that beautifully complements the chicken.
• 2 tablespoons Honey: Balances the acidity and adds a hint of sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice: Brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing zing.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle kick and depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce slightly for a great texture.
• 1 teaspoon EACH dried basil, dried oregano, salt: Essential herbs and spices for flavoring.
• 1/2 teaspoon EACH dried parsley, pepper: Complements the dish with additional flavor notes.
• 1/4 teaspoon Red pepper flakes: Adds a touch of heat for those who enjoy a bit of spice.

How to Make Chicken Basil Tomato Pasta

Making Chicken Basil Tomato Pasta is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas. Let’s get started with the steps to create this mouth-watering dish!

1. Start by preparing your marinade. In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and cornstarch. This mix is essential as it will infuse the chicken with incredible flavor. Transfer 2 tablespoons of this marinade into a freezer-safe bag or bowl and add the chopped chicken breasts. Marinate for 15 to 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
2. Next, while the chicken is marinating, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the thin spaghetti or your pasta of choice and cook according to package directions until al dente. Remember to reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining to help adjust the sauce later.
3. Once the pasta is cooked, drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss it lightly with a drizzle of olive oil or some of the untouched balsamic sauce to keep it from sticking.
4. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet, cooking until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through. This step allows the chicken to develop a nice crust while retaining its juices. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate.
5. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet, using the drippings for flavor. Add the chopped red onion and minced garlic, stirring for about 2 minutes until aromatic.
6. Next, add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook them for about 5 to 8 minutes, stirring constantly. You’ll start to see them burst, releasing their juices, which is a sign they’re ready.
7. Now, reintroduce the browned chicken back into the skillet, along with the remaining marinade. Stir everything together, allowing it to simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly.
8. Once done, stir in the chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese. This will add creaminess and richness to the dish. Make sure everything is well combined.
9. Finally, add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the mixture seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
10. For a finishing touch, garnish with more freshly grated Parmesan cheese and basil just before serving. Enjoy your delightful, homemade Chicken Basil Tomato Pasta!

Expert Tips about Chicken Basil Tomato Pasta

To get the most out of your Chicken Basil Tomato Pasta, here are some expert tips that I’ve gathered through my cooking experiences:

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just ensure to reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
• Freezing: You can freeze the pasta without the sauce for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet.
• Pairing: Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal experience that balances the flavors.
• Cooking Chicken: Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safety. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
• Adjusting Flavor: Every balsamic vinegar and honey has a different sweetness level. Taste your sauce as you go and adjust accordingly.
• Fresh Grated Cheese: Always opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated for the best flavor and texture.

What Complements This Chicken Basil Tomato Pasta

When serving Chicken Basil Tomato Pasta, consider pairing it with a variety of delightful options to enhance your dining experience:

• Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm, crispy garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly, adding a crunch and balance to the meal.
• Wine Pairing: If you enjoy wine, a crisp white wine complements the flavors beautifully.
• Special Occasions: This dish is perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or a cozy dinner date.
• Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor.
• Seasonal Sides: In colder months, a warm roasted vegetable medley makes a great side dish.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chicken Basil Tomato Pasta is truly a delightful dish that brings together fresh flavors in a comforting way. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in. I encourage you to try making it soon—you won’t regret the flavor and satisfaction it brings to your table.

Chicken Basil Tomato Pasta

The ultimate comfort food, Chicken Basil Tomato Pasta is a fresh and vibrant dish loaded with flavor. Juicy chicken, sweet cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil come together in a delightful melody, making it your new favorite weeknight dinner. Perfect for any occasion!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Whisk
• Saucepan
• Grater
• Chef's Knife
• Wooden Spoon

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound Chicken breasts chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 pound Thin spaghetti or pasta of choice
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil divided
• 2 pints Cherry/Grape tomatoes
• 1/2 cup Red onion chopped
• 4-6 cloves Garlic minced
• 1/4 cup Basil packed, chopped
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
• 1/3 cup Extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Red pepper flakes

Instructions

 

• Whisk together the Balsamic Marinade/Sauce ingredients. Transfer 2 tablespoons to a freezer safe bag or bowl with the chicken. Marinate at room temperature for 15-30 minutes or in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours.
• Meanwhile, cook pasta al dente according to package directions in generously salted water. Remove 1 cup pasta water before draining. Drain and rinse the pasta, then toss with a drizzle the untouched balsamic sauce to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides, but not cooked through, transfer to a plate (it will finish cooking later in the sauce).
• Reduce heat to medium-low. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in the chicken drippings. Add tomatoes, onions and garlic. Cook until the tomatoes begin to burst, 5-8 minutes, stirring constantly and scraping up any brown bits on the bottom of the pan.
• Add the chicken back to the pan along with remaining sauce (not touched by the raw chicken). Simmer until slightly thickened and the chicken is cooked through, 1-2 minutes.
• Stir in fresh basil and Parmesan. Stir in pasta until well coated, adding some reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to reach desired consistency. Taste and season with additional salt, pepper and/or red pepper flakes to taste.
• Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan Cheese and additional basil if desired.

Notes

• Use a large heavy bottom skillet: A heavy bottom stainless steel skillet will conduct heat the very best which translates into beautifully seared proteins and an evenly cooked dinner.
• Chop the chicken large: Error on the side of chopping the chicken into larger pieces so it remains juicy and doesn’t easily overcook.
• Don’t over-marinate chicken: The balsamic vinegar and lemon juice are highly acidic so you don’t want to marinate the balsamic chicken for too long or the acid can break down the chicken and make it mushy, especially because it is chopped into smaller pieces. Marinate for four hours at most.
• Don’t cook chicken at too high of heat: The honey in the marinade will brown the outside of the chicken quickly, so I suggest using less heat than usual, especially if your stove runs hot. I use medium heat and it works perfectly with a stainless-steel skillet.
• Don’t overcook the pasta! I recommend testing your pasta about 2 or 3 minutes before the box recommends – pasta should be al dente – meaning it should still be a little firm in the center/have a “bite” to it.
• Adjust to taste: Every bottle of balsamic vinegar is different so it is important to adjust your finished Bruschetta Chicken Pasta to taste. If the chicken pasta tastes too strong, it likely needs to be balanced by some sugar.

Keyword Basil tomato recipe, Chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner, Italian Pasta Dishes

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Meet Layla Reed

I’m Layla! I am happiest when I’m cooking with ingredients that are fresh from the market and in season. I love creating rustic, wholesome dishes that truly celebrate the natural flavors of the produce. I worked alongside Romina to ensure this recipe feels grounded, authentic, and absolutely delicious. I hope it brings a taste of the season to your home!