🍝 Balsamic Roasted Veggie Pasta with Grilled Chicken
Charred Balsamic Veggie Linguine with Juicy Grilled Chicken
A vibrant Mediterranean-style pasta loaded with caramelized balsamic vegetables and topped with tender, herb-marinated grilled chicken. Sweet, tangy, smoky, and perfectly balanced — ideal for dinner or entertaining.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
🔹 For the Grilled Chicken
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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½ teaspoon paprika
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
🔹 For the Balsamic Roasted Vegetables
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1 zucchini, sliced
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
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1 red onion, sliced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes
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1 cup mushrooms, sliced
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt & pepper
🔹 For the Pasta
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300g linguine (or whole wheat linguine)
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½ cup reserved pasta water
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2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional)
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1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
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Extra balsamic glaze (optional drizzle)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken
Mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Coat chicken and marinate at least 30 minutes.
2️⃣ Roast the Vegetables
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
Toss vegetables with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Spread on a tray and roast 20–25 minutes until caramelized and slightly charred.
3️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Boil linguine in salted water until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
4️⃣ Grill the Chicken
Grill or pan-sear 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through.
Rest 5 minutes, then slice.
5️⃣ Combine
Add pasta to roasted vegetables.
Pour in a little reserved pasta water to loosen.
Toss gently. Add Parmesan if using.
6️⃣ Assemble
Plate pasta, top with sliced grilled chicken, fresh herbs, and drizzle balsamic glaze.
🌿 Mediterranean Tips
✔ Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber
✔ Add crumbled feta instead of Parmesan for a Greek twist
✔ Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
✔ Add olives for more Mediterranean depth
🔥 Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
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Calories: 520–580
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Protein: 38–42g
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Fiber: 6–8g
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Healthy fats from olive oil
❓ Q & A
Q1: Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the chicken and add chickpeas or grilled halloumi.
Q2: Can I meal prep it?
Absolutely — store chicken separately for best texture. Keeps 3–4 days.
Q3: How do I make it creamier?
Add a spoon of ricotta or a splash of cream to the pasta.
Q4: Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes! Penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work great.
Q5: Is this freezer-friendly?
Better fresh, but chicken can be frozen separately.
