Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is a bright and flavorful dish that combines juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta. Inspired by the classic Italian appetizer, this meal is easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil (divided: 2 tablespoons, 1½ tablespoons, 2 tablespoons)
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (divided: 1½ teaspoons, ½ teaspoon)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt (divided: 1 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon)
• 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper (divided: ½ teaspoon, ½ teaspoon)
• 8 ounces angel hair pasta
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ pounds total)
• 1-2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (optional drizzle)
• ¼ cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese (optional topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the bruschetta by combining halved cherry tomatoes, ¼ cup chopped fresh basil, 2 tablespoons olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper in a bowl. Stir well to combine, then cover and refrigerate while preparing the rest.
2. Step 2: Cook the angel hair pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and toss with 1½ tablespoons olive oil, then set aside.
3. Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a 10-12 inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with the remaining ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
4. Step 4: Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until juices run clear or internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken to a plate and let rest.
5. Step 5: Lower heat to medium. Add the refrigerated bruschetta mixture to the skillet and cook, stirring often, for 1½ to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to combine. Remove from heat.
7. Step 7: Slice the rested chicken breast and arrange over the pasta and bruschetta.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle with shredded parmesan cheese and the remaining 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in a little olive oil and garlic before cooking.
• Use fresh mozzarella cubes instead of parmesan for a different texture and creaminess.
• Swap angel hair pasta for spaghetti or linguine if preferred.
• Balsamic glaze adds a nice sweetness, but you can omit it for a lighter dish.
• Make this dish vegetarian by replacing chicken with grilled eggplant or zucchini slices.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of olive oil or a little water can help prevent the pasta from drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, this recipe works well with most types of pasta like spaghetti, linguine, or penne. Just adjust cooking times according to the pasta package instructions.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the bruschetta mixture before cooking?

Refrigerating the bruschetta allows the flavors to develop and keeps the garlic from cooking too aggressively when added to the skillet. It’s recommended but you can cook it immediately if short on time.

Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 57 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful Bruschetta Chicken Pasta combining juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and tender seared chicken breast tossed with angel hair pasta in a garlic-balsamic mixture, finished with parmesan and optional balsamic glaze for a delicious Italian-inspired meal.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bruschetta Mixture

• 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

Pasta

• 8 ounces angel hair pasta
• 1½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ lbs total)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

Toppings (Optional)

• 1–2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
• ¼ cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves

Instructions

1. Prepare Bruschetta: In a bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, ¼ cup chopped fresh basil, 2 tablespoons olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir well, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and return pasta to the pot. Toss with 1½ tablespoons olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
3. Season Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with remaining ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper.
4. Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a 10-12 inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear or the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer chicken to a plate or dish to rest.
5. Sauté Bruschetta: Lower heat to medium. Remove the bruschetta from the refrigerator and add it to the same skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, for 1½ to 2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and tomatoes soften slightly.
6. Toss Pasta with Bruschetta: Add the cooked angel hair pasta to the skillet with the bruschetta mixture. Toss gently to combine and remove from heat.
7. Slice Chicken and Assemble: Carefully slice the rested chicken breasts. Plate the pasta bruschetta mixture and top with the sliced chicken.
8. Add Toppings and Serve: Sprinkle freshly shredded parmesan cheese and the remaining 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil over the top. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired. Serve hot immediately.

Notes

• Make sure to cook the pasta al dente to avoid overcooking during tossing.
• Resting the chicken after cooking helps retain its juices and tenderness.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute angel hair pasta with gluten-free pasta.
• Balsamic glaze adds a sweet tangy finish but is optional.
• Use fresh basil for the best flavor; dried basil will not achieve the same taste.

Keywords: bruschetta chicken pasta, Italian pasta recipe, chicken pasta dinner, easy pasta dishes, fresh tomato pasta