Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta combines juicy chicken, fresh tomato bruschetta, and perfectly cooked pasta for a dish bursting with Mediterranean flavors. It’s a light yet satisfying dinner perfect for weeknights or entertaining!
Ingredients
For the Bruschetta Topping:
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts about 1 pound, pounded to even thickness
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces spaghetti or fettuccine
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
For Garnish:
- Additional fresh basil
- Shaved Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Make the Bruschetta Topping:
- Combine the diced tomatoes, minced garlic, fresh basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and let it marinate while preparing the rest of the dish.
Cook the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti or fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Toss the Pasta:
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Toss the cooked pasta in the garlic oil, adding reserved pasta water to coat evenly. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using).
Assemble the Dish:
- Plate the pasta and top it with slices of chicken. Spoon the bruschetta topping over the chicken and pasta. Garnish with fresh basil and shaved Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Fresh Ingredients: Use ripe tomatoes and fresh basil for the best flavor.
- Pasta Options: Substitute spaghetti with penne or linguine if preferred.
- Make It Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for roasted zucchini or eggplant for a meat-free version.
- Storage Tip: Store components separately to keep everything fresh. The bruschetta topping tastes even better the next day!