Description
A vibrant and nutritious dish combining tender chicken, whole-grain pasta, and a fresh bruschetta topping of tomatoes, basil, and garlic. This quick and easy meal is perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bruschetta Topping:
- 4 large Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces whole-grain or chickpea pasta
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Additional fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Bruschetta Topping
- In a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, basil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Toss gently and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook the Chicken
- Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
- Cook the Pasta
- Boil a pot of salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of cooking water.
- Combine the Dish
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the bruschetta topping.
- Add reserved pasta water if needed for moisture.
- Top with sliced chicken and Parmesan cheese. Garnish with basil.
- Serve
- Divide into servings and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying.
- Customizations:
- Use spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash for a low-carb option.
- Replace Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives for a vegan dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: dinner pasta
- Method: Stove-top
- Cuisine: italian
Keywords: Healthy bruschetta chicken pasta Quick Italian dinner recipe High-protein pasta recipe Fresh tomato basil chicken pasta Whole-grain pasta dinner