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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 oz penne pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup balsamic glaze - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat To make bruschetta chicken pasta, you need fresh, quality ingredients. Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook quickly and stay tender. Next, choose penne pasta. Its shape holds sauce well. Cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst of flavor. Fresh basil brings a fragrant herb note. Garlic adds depth and aroma to your dish. Balsamic glaze gives it a sweet and tangy finish. Olive oil helps cook the chicken and adds richness. For seasoning, use salt and black pepper. They enhance each ingredient's natural taste. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a creamy, salty touch. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. They bring a nice kick without overpowering the dish. Gather these ingredients, and you're ready to create a savory and simple delight! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt to the water. This helps flavor the pasta. Once the water boils, add 8 ounces of penne pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. It usually takes about 10-12 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside. While your pasta cooks, it’s time to prep the chicken. Take 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season them with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts to the pan. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done, take the chicken out and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice it into thin strips. In the same skillet, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds. You want it to be fragrant but not burnt. Next, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook the tomatoes for about 3-4 minutes. They should start to soften. Now, stir in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil and the cooked penne pasta. Drizzle the mixture with 1/4 cup of balsamic glaze. Toss everything together until well mixed. This ensures every bite is full of flavor. To ensure you have perfectly cooked chicken, start by seasoning each breast with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Cook each side for 6-7 minutes. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it rest before slicing. Timing is key for sautéing garlic and tomatoes. After cooking the chicken, add minced garlic to the skillet for about 30 seconds. You want it fragrant but not burnt. Then, add halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they soften. For plating, I recommend using large bowls. Serve the bruschetta chicken pasta in the center, making it the star of the meal. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. An extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch. Drizzle some balsamic glaze around the plate for elegance. To boost the flavor, consider using additional balsamic glaze. Drizzle it over the chicken and pasta before serving. This adds a sweet tang that elevates the dish. For side dishes, think about a simple green salad or garlic bread. Both pair well with the pasta and add more textures to your meal. Pro Tips Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices, making it more tender and flavorful. Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh basil and ripe cherry tomatoes. They will elevate the dish and provide a burst of freshness. Customize Your Pasta: Feel free to substitute penne with your favorite pasta shape, such as fusilli or farfalle, for a fun twist on this classic recipe. Add a Kick: If you enjoy heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of crushed red pepper sauce to the pasta mixture for an extra kick. {{image_2}} You can switch up the pasta type if you want. Try using spaghetti, fettuccine, or even whole wheat pasta. Each choice brings a new taste and texture. If you want to try a different protein, shrimp works great. It cooks fast and adds a nice flavor. Tofu is an excellent choice for a vegan meal. It soaks up the sauce well and keeps the dish filling. Adding veggies can make this dish even better. Spinach is a good choice; it wilts nicely and adds color. Bell peppers bring sweetness and crunch. You can mix and match based on what you have at home. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. You can also try a pinch of cayenne pepper for a different kick. Adjusting the spice lets you control how bold the dish tastes. For those needing gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta made from rice or chickpeas. They cook well and taste great too. If you want a vegan meal, skip the chicken and Parmesan. Use a plant-based cheese, or leave it out completely. The balsamic glaze adds enough flavor to keep it tasty. To keep your bruschetta chicken pasta fresh, store it properly. First, let it cool to room temperature. This step helps avoid condensation in the container. Then, place the pasta in an airtight container. Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers for best results. Label the container with the date to track freshness. - Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. - If you freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. The best method is to use a skillet. Heat it on medium-low heat to warm without drying out. Add a splash of water or stock to keep it moist. - Stir occasionally to heat evenly. - You can also use a microwave. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. For the best taste, add a bit more balsamic glaze or olive oil before serving. This tip helps maintain the flavor and texture of your delicious meal. To make Bruschetta Chicken Pasta from scratch, follow this simple guide: 1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside. 2. Prepare the Chicken: Season 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like heat. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. 3. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from the heat and slice thin. 4. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add 2 minced cloves of garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. 5. Combine Ingredients: Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil and the cooked penne. Drizzle with 1/4 cup of balsamic glaze and mix well. 6. Serve: Plate the pasta, top with sliced chicken, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Drizzle more balsamic glaze on top for extra flavor. Yes, you can make Bruschetta Chicken Pasta ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Storage: Allow the dish to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Meal Prep: You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time. Mix them together with the sauce just before serving. - Freezing: If you want to freeze it, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Bruschetta Chicken Pasta pairs well with several side dishes: - Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up sauce. - Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette adds freshness. - Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers can enhance your meal. - Wine: A nice white wine, like Pinot Grigio, complements the dish well. Bruschetta Chicken Pasta can be a healthy choice. Here’s why: - Lean Protein: Chicken breasts provide lean protein for muscle health. - Fresh Ingredients: Cherry tomatoes and basil add vitamins and antioxidants. - Portion Control: Keep portions moderate to manage calorie intake. - Balance: Pair with a salad to increase fiber and fill you up with fewer carbs. This dish can fit well into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is a tasty dish that combines chicken, pasta, and fresh flavors. You learned about key ingredients and how to cook them perfectly. We explored tips for great results and fun variations to suit your taste. Don't forget to store leftovers right and reheat them well. Try this meal for an easy, delicious dinner. Embrace your creativity and enjoy this dish your way!

Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

A delicious pasta dish topped with seasoned chicken, fresh tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 2 fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 4 balsamic glaze
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 2 salt
  • 1 2 black pepper
  • 1 4 grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 4 red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C). Remove from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Stir in the chopped basil and cooked penne pasta. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and toss everything together until well mixed.
  • Plate the pasta mixture and top with the sliced chicken. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and drizzle with extra balsamic glaze for added flavor.

Notes

Serve in large bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese. Drizzle additional balsamic glaze around the plate for an elegant touch.
Keyword bruschetta, chicken, Italian, pasta