Description
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is a simple, flavorful Italian-inspired dish combining juicy chicken, fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fusilli)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until it reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove from heat, rest, then slice into thin strips.
- Make the Bruschetta Mixture:
- In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed.
- Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes and balsamic vinegar; cook for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften slightly.
- Combine Everything:
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomato mixture.
- Stir well, adding reserved pasta water if needed for moisture.
- Toss in sliced chicken and chopped basil. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to blend flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Plate the pasta and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use whole wheat, gluten-free pasta, or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Add mozzarella or feta cheese for extra flavor.
- Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Include spinach, roasted bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- Mix in pesto or extra balsamic glaze for more depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: italian
Keywords: Bruschetta Chicken Pasta, Easy Chicken Pasta Recipe, Italian Pasta Dish, Quick Weeknight Dinner, Fresh Tomato Pasta Recipe.