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Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
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Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is a quick and flavorful Italian-inspired dish combining tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a fresh bruschetta mixture of cherry tomatoes, basil, garlic, and mozzarella. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a vibrant, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy

  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into chunks or small balls

Pantry Items

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 8 ounces penne or your favorite pasta
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or vinegar
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and drizzle with olive oil. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Set aside to rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining.
  3. Make the Bruschetta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, torn fresh basil leaves, a pinch of salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of olive oil. Mix gently to coat the tomatoes and let the flavors meld.
  4. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Bruschetta: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the bowl with the tomato mixture. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a moist consistency if needed.
  5. Add Cheese and Finish: Top the mixture with fresh mozzarella chunks, allowing the warmth of the pasta to slightly melt the cheese. Optionally, drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

Notes

  • Use the ripest tomatoes and freshest basil for maximum flavor.
  • Cook pasta al dente to maintain texture and avoid mushiness.
  • Let cooked chicken rest for juicy, tender bites.
  • Use reserved pasta water sparingly to adjust sauce consistency.
  • Choose quality olive oil to enhance overall dish flavor.
  • Store mozzarella separately when refrigerating leftovers to preserve texture.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with grilled eggplant or mushrooms.

Nutrition

Keywords: bruschetta chicken pasta, Italian pasta dish, quick chicken pasta, fresh tomato pasta, basil pasta recipe, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/bruschetta-chicken-pasta/