Description
A vibrant and flavorful Bruschetta Chicken Pasta combining tender seared chicken breasts with fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, and basil, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and finished with a tangy balsamic glaze. This Italian-inspired dish is quick, easy, and ideal for a satisfying weeknight meal or summer dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking chicken)
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz penne or spaghetti pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing garlic and tomatoes)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar
Optional Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Additional balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook for 3–4 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Return the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes and garlic. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and balsamic glaze to infuse the pasta with fresh and tangy flavors.
- Assemble and Serve: Place the sliced chicken on top of the pasta mixture. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese if using. Serve warm with an optional drizzle of extra balsamic glaze for added flavor.
Notes
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in balsamic vinaigrette for 30 minutes before cooking.
- This dish can be served warm or chilled as a refreshing pasta salad.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe gluten-free if needed.
- Substitute mozzarella with vegan cheese to make it dairy-free.
