Description
Bruschetta chicken pasta blends Italian-inspired flavors with hearty ingredients. Fresh tomatoes, herbs, and tender chicken create a delightful Mediterranean-style meal you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti, fettuccine, or favorite pasta
- 4 tomatoes, medium, ripe, diced
- ¼ cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup basil leaves, fresh, chopped
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Bruschetta: Combine diced tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Let the mixture marinate for 15 minutes to develop rich, harmonious flavors.
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve a half cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining completely.
- Sear Chicken: Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden-brown and fully cooked, approximately 6-7 minutes per side.
- Combine Ingredients: Slice chicken into strips. In the same skillet, toss pasta with reserved cooking liquid and bruschetta mixture, ensuring each pasta strand is evenly coated.
- Plate and Garnish: Arrange pasta on serving plates, top with chicken strips. Optionally sprinkle Parmesan cheese and drizzle balsamic glaze. Finish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant presentation. Serve immediately while warm and flavorful.
Notes
- Optimize Marination Time: Allow bruschetta mixture to rest for at least 15 minutes, letting tomatoes release natural juices and herbs infuse deep, rich flavors into the base.
- Prevent Dry Chicken: Use medium heat and avoid overcooking chicken breasts, which can result in tough, stringy meat. Aim for internal temperature of 165°F for perfect moisture retention.
- Pasta Water Magic: Reserve starchy cooking liquid as a secret weapon for creating silky, clingy sauce that helps ingredients adhere seamlessly to pasta strands.
- Elevate Dietary Variations: Swap chicken with grilled tofu or plant-based protein for vegetarian version; use gluten-free pasta for celiac-friendly adaptation; substitute low-sodium alternatives for heart-healthy meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg