Description
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta features juicy, seasoned chicken combined with fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, and basil, all tossed together with tender pasta and a light balsamic sauce. This Italian-American dish captures the vibrant flavors of classic bruschetta in a comforting, easy-to-make pasta dinner perfect for weeknights.
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 Toppings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking chicken)
- 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: Cook the penne or rotini pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta completely.
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss the diced chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to evenly coat the pieces with the seasoning blend.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
- Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not burnt.
- Prepare the tomatoes: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil (used for tomatoes) and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly.
- Add balsamic vinegar: Pour ¼ cup balsamic vinegar into the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute to allow the vinegar to reduce slightly and coat the chicken and tomatoes.
- Combine pasta and cheese: Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet along with the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil, and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly in the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the bruschetta chicken pasta warm, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Fresh mozzarella pearls make a delicious addition to enhance creaminess and authentic bruschetta flavor.
- For extra flavor, drizzle balsamic glaze over the dish before serving for a sweet and tangy finish.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
