Description
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta combines juicy seasoned chicken, fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and Parmesan tossed with tender pasta in a light balsamic sauce. This fresh, vibrant dinner brings all the flavors of classic bruschetta to a satisfying pasta dish that’s perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for tomatoes)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water and set aside, then drain the pasta.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the diced chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to ensure even coating and enhanced flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces are golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Add Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Cook Tomatoes: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and continue to cook for 2–3 minutes until they soften slightly, releasing their juices to form a light sauce.
- Add Balsamic Vinegar: Pour in the balsamic vinegar and cook for an additional minute, stirring to combine and allow the vinegar to reduce slightly, intensifying the flavors.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil, and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly and achieve a creamy, glossy sauce consistency.
- Serve: Serve the bruschetta chicken pasta warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for a beautiful and flavorful finish.
Notes
- Fresh mozzarella pearls make a delicious addition for a creamy texture.
- For extra flavor, drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
