This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is a tasty dish that combines juicy chicken and fresh tomatoes with pasta. It’s light, zesty, and perfect for any night of the week!
Honestly, who doesn’t love pasta? 🍝 I enjoy making this dish because it’s quick, and the colorful toppings make it look fancy, even if I just whipped it up in a hurry!
Add a sprinkle of parmesan on top, and you’re good to go! I love serving it with a side salad for a complete meal. It’s not only delicious but also super easy to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used spaghetti, but feel free to switch it up with linguine, penne, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. Remember to cook it just until al dente for the best texture!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great here, but you can easily substitute with grilled chicken thighs or even sautéed shrimp if you want a seafood twist.
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes give a burst of flavor, but you can use regular diced tomatoes if that’s what you have on hand. Just drain them a bit to avoid watering down the dish.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil is essential for that bruschetta flavor. If you don’t have any, dried basil will work too, but use less. Parsley adds color, but you can skip it if it’s not available.
Parmesan Cheese: While Parmesan cheese is fantastic for this dish, you can swap in Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Cook Chicken Perfectly for Pasta?
Getting your chicken right is key to this dish. Here’s a simple guide:
- Start with chicken at room temperature for even cooking.
- Season generously with salt and pepper. This enhances flavor!
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat before adding olive oil. You want it hot!
- Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side. Don’t rush it! Let it develop a nice golden crust.
- After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy!
By following these steps, your chicken will be tender and delicious, complementing the pasta perfectly!
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for chicken)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (for the tomato mixture)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or lemon juice
- Red pepper flakes, optional for a little heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll need around 10 minutes for prep (chopping, seasoning) and about 20 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and delightful meal that’s perfect for any weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your spaghetti or linguine and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While your pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through (no pink inside!). Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing them thinly.
3. Make the Bruschetta Mixture:
In the same skillet, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until the garlic is fragrant. Now, add the quartered cherry tomatoes and stir them in, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
4. Combine and Season:
Next, stir in the balsamic vinegar or lemon juice, chopped basil, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Give it a nice stir and season with a little more salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’d like it spicy.
5. Toss It All Together:
Add your cooked pasta to the skillet with the bruschetta mixture. Toss everything together gently to make sure the pasta is well-coated and mixed with all those delicious flavors.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
To serve, plate the pasta generously, then top with the sliced chicken. Finish it off with a sprinkle of the remaining Parmesan cheese and some fresh parsley for garnish. Yum!
Serve this dish immediately with garlic bread or a fresh side salad to round out your meal. Enjoy your vibrant and tasty Bruschetta Chicken Pasta!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti or linguine works great, you can substitute with penne, farfalle, or whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To turn this into a vegetarian dish, simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables! Grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms would be fantastic additions. You can also use chickpeas for protein and texture!
What Should I Do with Leftover Pasta?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of olive oil or broth to help revive the sauce if needed.
Can I Prep This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can cook the pasta and prepare the bruschetta mixture a few hours ahead. Just combine them right before serving for the best texture and flavor. The chicken can also be cooked earlier, then sliced right before serving.
