Description
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is a flavorful Italian-American main course combining tender chicken, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and tangy balsamic vinegar over your choice of penne or spaghetti pasta. This dish is easy to prepare on the stovetop and can be served warm or as a pasta salad for a refreshing summer meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz penne or spaghetti pasta
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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 freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
- Additional chopped tomatoes and basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Cook Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for 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 for about 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to combine with the tomato mixture. Add the cooked pasta and pour in the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency.
- Finish with Cheese and Basil: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil until well combined and heated through.
- Serve: Serve the bruschetta chicken pasta warm, topped with additional chopped tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a lower-carb alternative, serve the dish over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta.
- You can substitute fresh tomatoes with store-bought bruschetta topping if short on time.
- This recipe is versatile and tastes great when served warm or chilled as a pasta salad.
