Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving Italian flavors but looking for a new way to enjoy them, this Bruschetta Chicken Pasta recipe is the answer. Combining juicy, flavorful chicken with a fresh tomato basil topping and tender pasta, it brings together the best of bruschetta and pasta into one delicious dish. This meal is perfect for a family dinner, a casual date night, or any occasion that calls for a comforting yet fresh-tasting Italian-inspired meal.

Introduction

Bruschetta Chicken Pasta brings together the best of bruschetta—a traditional Italian appetizer of tomatoes, basil, and garlic on toasted bread—and a hearty pasta dish. This recipe takes those fresh, bright flavors and pairs them with juicy, seasoned chicken and tender pasta, creating a satisfying and colorful meal that’s ideal for spring and summer dinners or anytime you’re in the mood for Italian-inspired comfort food.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1 Preparing the Bruschetta Topping

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, half of the minced garlic, and 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste.
2. Let It Marinate: Stir the bruschetta topping well and set it aside. Letting it marinate allows the flavors to meld together, making the topping even more delicious when it’s combined with the pasta.

2 Cooking the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and any additional Italian seasoning you prefer, like dried oregano or thyme.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
3. Add Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This will deglaze the pan and add flavor to the garlic that will later mix with the pasta.

3 Cooking the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
2. Drain and Reserve Water: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water. This starchy water can help the sauce bind to the pasta if needed.

4 Assembling the Dish

1. Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the garlic. Add the drained pasta, gently tossing to coat everything in the garlic-infused oil.
2. Add Bruschetta Topping: Pour the bruschetta topping over the pasta and chicken. Gently mix everything together, letting the juices from the tomatoes and balsamic vinegar coat the pasta.
3. Adjust Consistency: If the mixture seems a bit dry, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
4. Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the entire dish, stirring it in so that it melts slightly and adds a creamy finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Bruschetta Chicken Pasta in bowls or on plates, garnished with extra fresh basil, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and a few shavings of Parmesan if you like. This dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a fresh, simple side salad of arugula and lemon.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This dish doesn’t freeze as well due to the fresh tomatoes, but you can freeze portions of pasta and chicken. Add fresh tomatoes and basil upon reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little water if necessary, until warmed through.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add roasted vegetables, like zucchini and bell peppers, for a vegetarian-friendly dish.
2. Low-Carb Version: Swap the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to make a low-carb variation.
3. Caprese Twist: Add fresh mozzarella for a caprese-inspired version that’s creamy and rich.
4. Herb Butter Chicken: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the chicken for a more herbaceous flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use store-bought bruschetta topping?

Yes, store-bought bruschetta topping is a convenient alternative, though fresh tomatoes and basil will give the best flavor.

Q2: What pasta works best with this recipe?

Pasta like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti works well with the bruschetta sauce as they hold the flavors and sauce nicely.

Q3: Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta, available in most grocery stores.

Q4: How do I make this spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken as it cooks or sprinkle them on top before serving.

Q5: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! The flavors get even better as it sits, making this dish perfect for meal prepping.

Conclusion

Bruschetta Chicken Pasta combines the fresh, vibrant flavors of a classic Italian bruschetta with tender pasta and juicy chicken. This dish is a versatile, crowd-pleasing option that’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive for special occasions. With its colorful presentation, mouthwatering flavors, and easy preparation, this pasta dish will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation. So grab those tomatoes, basil, and pasta, and get

Yield: 4

Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe

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If you're craving Italian flavors but looking for a new way to enjoy them, this Bruschetta Chicken Pasta recipe is the answer. Combining juicy, flavorful chicken with a fresh tomato basil topping and tender pasta, it brings together the best of bruschetta and pasta into one delicious dish. This meal is perfect for a family dinner, a casual date night, or any occasion that calls for a comforting yet fresh-tasting Italian-inspired meal.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into thin cutlets
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 8 oz penne or spaghetti pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   
2. Season and Cook the Chicken:
   Season the chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet, slice into strips, and set aside.
   
3. Make the Bruschetta Mix:
   In a bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, and a pinch of salt. Toss to combine.
   
4. Combine the Pasta and Chicken:
   In the same skillet, add the cooked pasta and chicken strips. Pour in the balsamic glaze and toss everything to coat well. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm through.
   
5. Add the Bruschetta Topping:
   Remove from heat, add the bruschetta mixture on top, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
   
6. Serve:
   Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

For Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken for a slight kick.

Make It Creamy: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream with the balsamic glaze for a creamy touch.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.