Bruschetta chicken pasta features tender chicken and fresh tomatoes tossed in a savory basil sauce, all served over pasta for a quick and flavorful meal. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner with friends..
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time20 minutesmins
Total Time30 minutesmins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe
Servings: 4
Calories: 558kcal
Ingredients
2cupshalved cherry tomatoes
¼cupchopped fresh basil leaves
2tablespoonschopped fresh basil leaves
⅓cupolive oil,extra virgin (divided into 2 tablespoons, 1 ½ tablespoons, and 2 tablespoons)
2tablespoonsbalsamic vinegar
3teaspoonsItalian seasoning(divided into 1 ½ teaspoons and ½ teaspoon)
2teaspoonsminced garlic
2teaspoonskosher salt(divided into 1 teaspoon and 1 teaspoon)
1teaspoonfresh cracked black pepper(divided into ½ teaspoon and ½ teaspoon)
8ouncesangel hair pasta
2boneless,skinless chicken breasts (1 ½ pounds total)
Add the halved cherry tomatoes, ¼ cup chopped fresh basil, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Stir to combine.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate while preparing the pasta and chicken.
Cook pasta al dente, according to package directions.
Drain the pasta and return to the stockpot/pan and toss with 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil. Set it aside.
Heat the remaining 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 cracked black pepper.
Place the seasoned chicken breast into the heated pan. Cook 5-7 minutes per side until the juices run clear, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Transfer the cooked chicken breast to a separate baking dish or large plate to rest.
Lower the heat to medium.
Remove the bruschetta from the refrigerator and add to the skillet. Cook, stirring often, for 1 ½ - 2 minutes or until the garlic is fragrant.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Remove from the heat.
Carefully slice the cooked chicken breast into slices. Place the sliced chicken on top of the pasta and bruschetta.
Sprinkle the freshly shredded parmesan cheese and remaining fresh chopped basil leaves over the chicken and pasta.
Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze, if desired. Serve while hot.
Notes
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.