Description
This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta recipe combines the fresh, vibrant flavors of classic bruschetta with tender, seasoned chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s an easy, delicious meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, featuring juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a touch of balsamic vinegar for a delightful finishing touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Bruschetta Topping
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Chicken
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pasta and Assembly
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta
- 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling (optional)
- Additional fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the bruschetta topping: In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss well to evenly mix all ingredients. Let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together, enhancing the freshness of the bruschetta.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set the drained pasta aside.
- Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
- Combine the pasta and bruschetta: Using the same skillet, add the cooked pasta along with the reserved pasta water over medium heat. Stir in the bruschetta topping, including all the juices, and toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the bruschetta mixture and heated through.
- Assemble the dish: Plate the pasta mixture and top it with the sliced chicken breasts. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and drizzle with balsamic glaze for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve: Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and serve immediately to enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors at their best.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the pasta with a gluten-free variety.
- You can use other herbs such as oregano or thyme in place of basil based on preference.
- Letting the bruschetta topping sit improves flavor melding but avoid making it too early to keep tomatoes fresh.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked for safety and juiciness.
- Balsamic glaze is optional but adds a nice sweet tangy finish to the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
