Description
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is a flavorful Italian-American main course that combines tender, seasoned chicken with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of balsamic vinegar. Tossed with perfectly cooked penne or spaghetti and topped with Parmesan cheese, this dish offers a delicious and easy dinner option that can be enjoyed warm or as a pasta salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz penne or spaghetti pasta
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
- Additional chopped tomatoes and basil for garnish (optional)
Cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then set the pasta aside.
- Cook the 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 salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it on a plate.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add Balsamic Vinegar and Simmer: Stir in the balsamic vinegar and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Let the mixture simmer gently for another 2 minutes to develop flavor.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together. Add the cooked pasta and a little of the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta evenly.
- Finish with Cheese and Basil: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil until well combined and the cheese starts to melt.
- Serve: Serve warm, garnished with extra chopped tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a lower-carb option, substitute zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for the pasta.
- You can use store-bought bruschetta topping instead of fresh tomatoes in a pinch.
- This dish can be served warm or cold as a refreshing pasta salad.
