Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta combines juicy, seasoned chicken with the fresh flavors of classic bruschetta. It’s a vibrant and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for bruschetta)
• 12 oz pasta of choice (such as penne or spaghetti)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: fresh mozzarella pearls for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Step 3: In a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat, sear the chicken breasts for about 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown but not cooked through.
4. Step 4: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked and juices run clear.
5. Step 5: While the chicken cooks, prepare the bruschetta topping by mixing halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine and set aside.
6. Step 6: Cook your choice of pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
7. Step 7: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
8. Step 8: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with half of the bruschetta mixture and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss well.
9. Step 9: Plate the pasta and top with sliced chicken, the remaining bruschetta mixture, and more Parmesan cheese, if desired.
10. Step 10: Optionally, top with fresh mozzarella pearls for extra flavor and texture.
11. Step 11: Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil if you like.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Swap fresh mozzarella pearls for sliced burrata or shredded mozzarella for a different texture.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the bruschetta mixture for a spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover Bruschetta Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to preserve the pasta texture and fresh flavors. The fresh basil topping is best added just before serving to maintain its brightness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of tomatoes for the bruschetta topping?

Yes, you can use grape tomatoes or even diced Roma tomatoes if cherry tomatoes aren’t available. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid to keep the pasta from becoming soggy.

Is it possible to prepare this dish without an oven-proof skillet?

Absolutely. You can sear the chicken in a regular skillet and then transfer it to a baking dish for the oven step. Just be careful when moving the chicken to avoid losing the flavorful browned crust.

Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 54 reviews

A delicious and vibrant Bruschetta Chicken Pasta recipe featuring tender baked chicken breasts, fresh cherry tomato bruschetta topping, and perfectly cooked pasta tossed with Parmesan cheese. This dish combines Italian flavors in a simple skillet-to-oven preparation perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Bruschetta Topping

• 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta and Cheese

• 12 oz pasta of choice (such as penne or spaghetti)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: fresh mozzarella pearls for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken to perfection.
2. Season Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse flavor.
3. Sear Chicken: Heat a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken breasts for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown, ensuring a flavorful crust without fully cooking through.
4. Bake Chicken: Transfer the skillet with the seared chicken into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the juices run clear.
5. Prepare Bruschetta Topping: While the chicken bakes, mix the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste, stir to combine, and set aside.
6. Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
7. Slice Chicken: Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to retain juices. Then slice into strips.
8. Toss Pasta: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with half of the bruschetta mixture and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss well to ensure even coating.
9. Assemble Dish: Plate the tossed pasta, top with sliced chicken, the remaining bruschetta topping, and sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese as desired.
10. Add Optional Topping: For an extra layer of richness, add fresh mozzarella pearls on top of the dish.
11. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil if preferred, to enjoy warm with fresh, vibrant flavors.

Notes

• Use a pasta shape that holds sauce well, like penne or fusilli, for best results.
• Fresh mozzarella pearls add a creamy texture and can be omitted if not preferred.
• Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Leftover bruschetta topping can be stored separately and used on bread or salads.
• To make it gluten-free, substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta varieties.

Keywords: Bruschetta, Chicken Pasta, Italian Dinner, Baked Chicken, Cherry Tomatoes, Parmesan Pasta, Skillet Dish