Description
Healthy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and nutritious Italian-American dish combining whole wheat pasta, tender sautéed chicken, fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil, finished with a tangy balsamic glaze. It’s a perfect balanced meal that’s easy to prepare, offering a light yet satisfying twist on classic bruschetta flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz whole wheat or high-protein pasta (penne or rotini)
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Vegetables & Flavorings
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Optional Toppings
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat or high-protein pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and sauté for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Tomatoes and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and minced garlic, sautéing for about 2–3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Reduce Balsamic Vinegar: Pour in the balsamic vinegar and stir it into the tomato and garlic mixture. Let it cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, allowing the vinegar to reduce slightly and concentrate in flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked pasta, diced fresh tomatoes, and sautéed chicken to the skillet. Toss everything thoroughly to combine and heat through evenly.
- Add Fresh Basil: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly chopped basil to infuse the dish with its aromatic flavor.
- Serve: Plate the pasta warm, topping each serving optionally with grated Parmesan cheese and a light drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor and a beautiful finish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, substitute sautéed chicken with grilled chicken.
- Add baby spinach or arugula for an additional nutrient boost and freshness.
- This dish works great served warm as well as cold, making it perfect for pasta salads and meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
