Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

Table of Contents

1. Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Ingredients
2. Substitutions and Additions for Bruschetta Chicken
3. How To Make This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe
4. Troubleshooting Tips for Bruschetta Pasta with Chicken
5. How To Serve This Chicken Bruschetta Pasta Recipe
6. How To Store Bruschetta Pasta
7. Why This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Is The Best
8. Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Frequently Asked Questions
9. More Fresh Pasta Dishes You’ll Love
10. JUMP TO RECIPE

Bruschetta chicken pasta is the perfect combination of fresh, vibrant flavors and hearty, satisfying textures. This recipe brings together juicy chicken breasts, tender angel hair pasta, and a zesty bruschetta topping made with ripe cherry tomatoes and fragrant basil. What makes it truly stand out is the drizzle of balsamic glaze, adding a tangy, savory finish that takes it to the next level.

In the development of this recipe, we’ve honed in on the details that make it shine. Enhanced seasoning ensures chicken is always packed with flavor. Draining the tomatoes keeps bruschetta crisp, and balancing olive oil with pasta water guarantees moist, delicious pasta.

These small but important tweaks allow you to effortlessly cook a recipe that is full of flavor and texture, delivering consistently delicious results every time you make it.

Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Ingredients

Substitutions and Additions for Bruschetta Chicken

Cherry Tomatoes: Substitute with diced Roma tomatoes or halved grape tomatoes for a slightly different texture and flavor.

Fresh Basil: If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use dried basil, but reduce the amount to one to two teaspoons since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Alternatively, fresh parsley can also add a nice touch.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Regular olive oil or avocado oil can be used if you don’t have extra virgin olive oil. Both will work well for cooking and tossing the pasta.

Balsamic Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar can be used in place of balsamic vinegar, though they will bring a slightly different tanginess to the dish.

Garlic: Garlic powder can be used in place of minced garlic. Use about a half teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic.

Angel Hair Pasta: Spaghetti noodles, linguine, or any long, thin pasta can be used as a substitute if you don’t have angel hair pasta on hand.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for a juicier, more flavorful alternative. Cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly.

Balsamic Glaze: A simple reduction of balsamic vinegar can be used if you don’t have balsamic glaze. Just simmer balsamic vinegar until it thickens to a syrupy consistency.

Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can be used if you don’t have Parmesan cheese. Both will provide a similar salty, umami kick.

How To Make This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe

STEP ONE:  Begin by combining the halved cherry tomatoes, ¼ cup of freshly chopped basil, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar in a bowl. Add the minced garlic, 1 ½ teaspoons of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of fresh cracked black pepper.

Stir these ingredients well to ensure that the tomatoes are thoroughly coated and begin to marinate, absorbing all the aromatic flavors. 

STEP TWO: Cover this mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate it to allow the flavors to meld together while you prepare the pasta and chicken.

STEP THREE: Cook the angel hair pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it reaches al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and toss it back in the pot with one and a half tablespoons of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Set aside but keep it warm.

STEP FOUR: While the pasta is cooking, heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 

STEP FIVE: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with the remaining Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. 

STEP SIX: Place the chicken in the skillet and cook until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and juices run clear. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. 

STEP SEVEN: Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest before slicing.

STEP EIGHT: Reduce the heat under the skillet to medium. Remove the bruschetta mix from the refrigerator and pour it into the skillet.

Stir frequently and cook until the garlic becomes fragrant and the tomatoes warm through.

STEP NINE: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the bruschetta. Toss everything together to combine well and ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the tomato mixture and infused with flavors.

STEP TEN: Slice the rested chicken into thin strips and lay them over the pasta. 

STEP ELEVEN: Sprinkle the dish with the remaining chopped fresh basil and freshly shredded Parmesan cheese. 

STEP TWELVE: For an extra touch of flavor, drizzle some balsamic glaze over the top. Serve immediately while hot.

Troubleshooting Tips for Bruschetta Pasta with Chicken

Here are helpful tips and tricks to ensure your bruschetta pasta cooks up perfectly every time:

• Tomato Prep: To remove excess moisture from the tomatoes, sprinkle them with a little salt and let them sit in a colander for a few minutes. This helps prevent the bruschetta from becoming too watery.
• Even Cooking: Cut chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets if they are very thick. This helps them cook more evenly and quickly. Alternatively, you can also pound them gently with a meat mallet to reduce the thickness, if necessary.
• Garlic Press: Using a garlic press can make mincing garlic quicker and more uniform, ensuring even distribution throughout the bruschetta mixture.
• Pasta Water: Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. You can add a splash to the pasta and bruschetta mixture if it seems too dry, which helps to bind the sauce to the pasta.
• Pan Temperature: Let the pan heat up before adding the oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. Adding oil to a hot pan creates a non-stick surface.
• Chicken Slicing: Slice the chicken against the grain to make it more tender. Cutting against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making the chicken easier to chew.
• Pasta Tossing: Toss the pasta immediately with the bruschetta while both are still warm. This allows the flavors to meld better and coat the pasta evenly.

How To Serve This Chicken Bruschetta Pasta Recipe

Our bruschetta with chicken pasta is a versatile dish that shines on its own but can also be paired with a variety of sides and drinks to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some ideas to enhance your dining experience with this flavorful pasta.

Classic Italian Dinner: Serve bruschetta chicken pasta with a side of garlic bread or a crusty baguette. The crunchy bread complements the tender pasta and chicken, providing a satisfying contrast in textures. Add a fresh, homemade Caesar salad to make it a complete meal.

Light and Fresh Lunch: For a lighter option, serve this pasta dish with a fresh arugula salad topped with shaved Parmesan and a lemon vinaigrette.

Family Friendly Meal: Pair it with roasted vegetables or broccoli, which add color and additional nutrients to your dinner.

Creative Meal Types: Transform leftovers into a delicious pasta salad by mixing the cold pasta and chicken with extra bruschetta mixture and a bit more olive oil. This makes a great lunch for the next day.

Complementary Drinks: Pair the dish with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, or a fresh limoncello spritz. For a non-alcoholic option, try our fruity party punch for a refreshing touch.

How To Store Bruschetta Pasta

Storing your bruschetta chicken pasta properly will help maintain its freshness and flavor, making it easy to enjoy leftovers or prepare the dish ahead of time. Here are the best ways to store and reheat your pasta.

MAKE AHEAD: Bruschetta chicken pasta can be partially made ahead by preparing the bruschetta mixture and cooking the chicken. Store the bruschetta mixture in an airtight container in the fridge. Cook the chicken and let it cool before slicing and storing it separately. When ready to serve, reheat the bruschetta mixture, prepare the pasta and combine everything in the pan.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bruschetta chicken pasta will last up to three days in the fridge. Ensure the pasta is completely cooled before sealing it in the container to prevent condensation and sogginess.

IN THE FREEZER: Bruschetta chicken pasta is not ideal for freezing because the fresh bruschetta topping can become watery and lose its texture after thawing. Freezing can also affect the quality of the pasta, making it mushy when reheated.

For the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to enjoy this dish fresh or refrigerate leftovers for up to three days instead.

HOW TO REHEAT: To reheat bruschetta chicken pasta, you can use the stovetop, oven, or microwave. For stovetop reheating, place the pasta in a skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth over medium heat until warmed through. 

In the oven, preheat to 350°F, place the pasta in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, and bake for about 20 minutes. 

For microwave reheating, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

Why This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Is The Best

Bruschetta chicken pasta has quickly become a favorite for many reasons. It’s not just the combination of fresh ingredients and hearty pasta; it’s about the simplicity, versatility, and the joy it brings to the table.

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic creates a vibrant and delicious meal.

Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults love this dish, making it a great option for an easy weeknight dinner.

Restaurant Quality at Home: Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your kitchen.

Bruschetta chicken pasta combines fresh ingredients and easy preparation for a meal that’s both delicious and satisfying. Enjoy this quick and flavorful dish for any occasion!

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