When Chef Serge stepped into the THV11 studio with co-hosts Adam Bledsoe and Ashley King for The Vine, he brought a recipe that perfectly embodies his culinary philosophy: simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary through technique and passion. His Tomato Basil Pasta with Grilled Chicken is a celebration of fresh flavors that brings restaurant-quality dining straight to your kitchen.
The Art of Italian-Inspired Simplicity
What makes Chef Serge’s approach to this classic combination so special? It’s all about respecting the ingredients and letting each one shine. “The best Italian cooking isn’t about complicated techniques,” Chef Serge explains. “It’s about taking the freshest ingredients you can find and treating them with care.”
This dish showcases that philosophy beautifully. Sweet cherry tomatoes burst with concentrated flavor as they blister in the pan, releasing their natural juices to create a light, fresh sauce. The cold butter adds richness without heaviness, while fresh basil provides that aromatic brightness that makes every bite memorable. The grilled chicken, marinated in herbs and lemon, brings protein and smoky depth that elevates the entire dish.
The Secret is in the Technique
The Cherry Tomato Magic
While many pasta dishes rely on canned tomatoes, Chef Serge’s use of fresh cherry tomatoes creates something entirely different. When sautéed until they just begin to blister and release their juices, these little gems create a sauce that’s both light and intensely flavorful. The key is not overcooking them because you want them to soften and burst naturally, creating pockets of concentrated tomato flavor throughout the dish.
The Cold Butter Finish
One technique that separates restaurant-quality pasta from home cooking is the butter finish. Adding cold butter at the end and allowing it to melt slowly creates a silky sauce that coats each strand of pasta perfectly. This emulsification technique, borrowed from French cooking, gives the dish a luxurious mouthfeel without making it heavy.
The Perfectly Grilled Chicken
Chef Serge’s marinated chicken technique ensures flavor penetrates throughout the meat, not just on the surface. The combination of lemon juice, herbs, and that touch of red pepper flakes creates a Mediterranean-inspired profile that complements the pasta beautifully. Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks uniformly—no more dry edges and undercooked centers!
Perfect for Every Occasion
This versatile dish works beautifully for numerous occasions throughout the year:
🍽️ Weeknight Family Dinners
- Quick enough for busy schedules (under 30 minutes total)
- Kid-friendly flavors with sophisticated appeal
- Great for using up summer tomatoes and basil
🎉 Casual Entertaining
- Easy to scale up for dinner parties
- Impressive presentation without complicated techniques
- Can be partially prepped ahead of time
💕 Date Nights at Home
- Romantic Italian vibes
- Share-worthy presentation
- Pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine
🌞 Summer Gatherings
- Celebrates peak tomato and basil season
- Light enough for warm weather
- Fresh flavors that won’t weigh you down
🎄 Holiday Meals
- Elegant alternative to heavy winter dishes
- Beautiful colors for festive presentation
- Satisfying comfort food with a refined twist
🏢 Meal Prep Champions
- Chicken can be grilled in batches
- Pasta reheats beautifully
- Components store well separately
The Origin Story: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
This dish represents Chef Serge’s approach to fusion cooking by taking traditional Italian techniques and ingredients while adding his own Lebanese-American perspective. The marinade for the chicken includes elements you might find in Mediterranean cooking, while the pasta preparation stays true to Italian traditions.
“Growing up, I learned that good cooking is about understanding why techniques work, not just following recipes,” Chef Serge shares. “When you understand that the cherry tomatoes need just enough heat to release their sugars, or that cold butter creates emulsification, you can cook with confidence and make adjustments based on what you have available.”
Home Cook Success Tips
Ingredient Quality Matters
- Cherry tomatoes: Look for ones that feel heavy for their size and give slightly when pressed
- Basil: Fresh is non-negotiable—dried basil won’t give you the same bright flavor
- Parmigiano Reggiano: Invest in a good piece and grate fresh for the best flavor
- Pasta: Choose a shape that holds sauce well like spaghetti, linguine, or penne
Timing is Everything
- Start the chicken marinade in the morning or the night before
- Begin cooking the pasta when the chicken goes on the grill
- Have all your sauce ingredients prepped and ready—this comes together quickly!
Make it Your Own
Here are ways to adapt for different preferences:
- Add vegetables: Sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or roasted bell peppers
- Protein variations: Try with grilled shrimp, salmon, or even chickpeas for vegetarian option
- Herb combinations: Mix in some fresh oregano or thyme with the basil
- Heat level: Adjust the red pepper flakes in the marinade to your preference
Wine Pairing Perfection
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for crisp, clean flavors
- Light Chardonnay for a touch more richness
- Chianti for red wine lovers who want something that won’t overpower
- Rosé for the perfect middle ground
Storage and Leftover Magic
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be delicious with a few tweaks:
- Store pasta and chicken separately if possible
- Reheat gently with a splash of pasta water or chicken broth
- Add fresh basil and cheese just before serving
- The grilled chicken is excellent cold in salads the next day
Bringing Restaurant Quality Home
This recipe represents everything we love about Chef Serge’s approach to cooking: taking familiar flavors and elevating them through technique, timing, and quality ingredients. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re dining at your favorite Italian restaurant while sitting at your own kitchen table.
The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its flavors, but in how it brings people together. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a Wednesday night or hosting friends for a special dinner, this dish creates those moments that make meals memorable.
Tomato Basil Pasta with Grilled Chicken Recipe
Tomato Basil Pasta Ingredients:
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tsp minced fresh garlic
- 4 Tbsp cold butter
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, for garnish
- 8 oz Pasta of choice (spaghetti, linguine, or penne recommended)
Tomato Basil Pasta Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve a bit of pasta water before draining.
- Make the Sauce:
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for 3–5 minutes, until they begin to soften and blister, releasing their juices.
- Stir in the minced garlic, cold butter, and chopped basil.
- Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
- Let the butter melt fully and stir until the sauce comes together.
- Combine and Finish:
- Toss the cooked pasta in the skillet with the sauce. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to coat evenly.
- Serve in individual bowls, topped with extra basil and freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
Grilled Chicken
Grilled Chicken Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 oz each)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Grilled Chicken Instructions:
- Flatten the Chicken:
- Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a zip-top bag.
- Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch) for even cooking.
- Marinate:
- In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat until hot.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
- Sear for 5 minutes per side, or until nicely browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- To Serve:
- Slice the chicken on the bias into strips.
- Serve over Tomato Basil Pasta
- Garnish fresh basil chiffonade and grated Parmesan cheese.
Let Vibrant Occasions Bring Chef Serge’s Culinary Artistry to Your Event
While this Tomato Basil Pasta with Grilled Chicken is perfect for home cooking, imagine having Chef Serge and the Vibrant Occasions Catering team bring this level of culinary excellence directly to your special event. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner party, corporate luncheon, wedding reception, or family celebration, our team specializes in creating memorable dining experiences that showcase fresh, quality ingredients prepared with restaurant-level technique.
From perfectly marinated proteins to handcrafted pasta dishes that celebrate seasonal ingredients, Vibrant Occasions Catering brings the same attention to detail and passion for flavor that Chef Serge demonstrates on The Vine to every event we cater.
Ready to make your next occasion truly vibrant? Contact us today to discuss how we can create a customized menu that perfectly fits your event and exceeds your guests’ expectations. Let us handle the culinary artistry so you can focus on what matters most…celebrating with the people you care about.
Contact us at mary@vibrantoccasionscatering.com or follow our culinary journey on Instagram @vibrantoccasionscatering