Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is a quick and delicious weeknight dinner made with fresh tomatoes, basil, and a balsamic-infused olive oil sauce, topped with sautéed chicken breasts. This simple and flavorful dish is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings. The combination of garlic, fresh herbs, and the tanginess of balsamic vinegar makes this pasta a crowd-pleaser, and it’s an easy way to enjoy a classic Italian-inspired meal at home.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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For the bruschetta:
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1 pound Roma tomatoes (about 6), seeded and diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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½ cup fresh basil, torn (plus extra leaves for garnish)
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1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
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Kosher salt, to taste
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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For the chicken and pasta:
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½ pound angel hair pasta (half of a 16-ounce box)
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1-1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2)
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for the pasta)
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Optional: Balsamic glaze for drizzling
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Optional: Shredded Parmesan or mozzarella for topping
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Directions
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Prepare the bruschetta: In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Let it sit and marinate while you cook the pasta and chicken.
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Cook the pasta: Boil water and cook the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the water, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and toss to prevent sticking. Set aside.
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Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is no longer pink and reaches 165°F internally. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
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Cook the bruschetta mixture: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then add the bruschetta mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes, just until heated through.
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Combine the pasta and chicken: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the bruschetta mixture, tossing until well-coated. Slice the chicken breasts and place on top of the pasta.
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Serve: Divide the pasta among plates and garnish with fresh basil. Optionally drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with shredded Parmesan or mozzarella.
Nutrients
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Calories: 430 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 47g
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Protein: 44g
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Fat: 5g
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Saturated Fat: 1g
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Cholesterol: 108mg
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Sodium: 207mg
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Potassium: 1024mg
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 5g
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Vitamin A: 995 IU
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Vitamin C: 18.1mg
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Calcium: 34mg
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Iron: 1.7mg
The Freshness of Bruschetta in a Pasta Dish
At the heart of this recipe is the classic Italian appetizer, bruschetta, made with fresh, ripe Roma tomatoes, garlic, and basil. The combination of these ingredients creates a bright and fragrant topping that infuses the pasta with rich, fresh flavors. The tanginess of the balsamic vinegar adds a delightful depth to the tomatoes, while the garlic gives the mixture an aromatic kick. Letting the bruschetta mixture marinate while the pasta and chicken cook ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully, giving you the perfect topping for your pasta.
Bruschetta is known for its freshness and simplicity, making it the ideal addition to this dish. It enhances the pasta by providing a burst of freshness and texture, balancing the richness of the sautéed chicken and the smoothness of the olive oil. The mixture of the tender tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and savory balsamic vinegar creates a sauce-like component that coats the pasta perfectly, adding flavor in every bite.
Perfectly Cooked Chicken Breasts
The chicken breasts in this recipe are seasoned with salt and pepper, then cooked until they are golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside. Cooking the chicken in olive oil ensures a crispy, flavorful exterior while keeping the inside juicy and moist. The chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F, making it safe and perfectly cooked. After cooking, the chicken is sliced and placed on top of the pasta, providing both protein and texture to the dish. The savory chicken complements the tangy and fresh bruschetta mixture, making every bite satisfying.
One of the great things about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, you can enjoy a deliciously satisfying meal. The chicken doesn’t require elaborate seasoning or marinating; a simple seasoning of salt and pepper allows the natural flavors of the chicken to shine, while the bruschetta mixture does most of the flavoring work.
Angel Hair Pasta: The Ideal Base
Angel hair pasta is the perfect choice for this dish because of its delicate texture and ability to absorb sauces. The thin strands of angel hair cook quickly and hold up well to the light, fresh bruschetta sauce. The pasta provides the perfect base for the chicken and bruschetta, allowing the flavors to meld together and creating a well-balanced dish. Tossing the pasta with a drizzle of olive oil after draining helps to keep the noodles from sticking together, ensuring each strand is perfectly coated in the sauce.
The lightness of angel hair pasta complements the fresh, tangy bruschetta topping, preventing the dish from feeling too heavy. The result is a meal that is both satisfying and refreshing, making it an ideal option for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner.
The Balsamic Infusion: A Tangy Twist
One of the standout elements of this Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is the balsamic vinegar. Balsamic vinegar has a unique sweetness and acidity that pairs wonderfully with tomatoes, garlic, and basil. It adds a tangy depth to the bruschetta mixture, which enhances the overall flavor of the pasta. Balsamic vinegar is a key component in many Italian dishes, and its inclusion in this recipe ties the entire dish together with its signature flavor.
For those who want an extra burst of balsamic flavor, the option to drizzle balsamic glaze over the dish at the end adds a rich, syrupy finish that complements the freshness of the tomatoes and the savory chicken. This final touch can be the difference between a good dish and a great one, adding a layer of flavor that makes each bite even more enjoyable.
A Quick and Easy Dinner
One of the best aspects of Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is how quickly it comes together. With a cooking time of less than 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy evenings when you want a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The pasta cooks quickly, and the chicken is sautéed in just a few minutes. The bruschetta mixture comes together easily while the other components are being prepared, making it a seamless dish that requires little effort.
Because of its simplicity and speed, this dish is great for anyone who enjoys homemade meals but doesn’t have a lot of time to spend cooking. Despite being easy to make, Bruschetta Chicken Pasta tastes like it came from a restaurant, with layers of fresh flavors and a perfect balance of ingredients. This recipe is a great option for busy families, couples, or anyone looking for a quick yet satisfying meal.
Nutritional Benefits
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrition. The chicken breasts provide a lean source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles. With 44 grams of protein per serving, this dish will help you feel full and satisfied. The pasta provides carbohydrates for energy, while the fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic deliver essential vitamins and antioxidants. Tomatoes are high in vitamin C and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to heart health.
This dish is relatively low in fat, with only 5 grams of total fat per serving, and it offers a good balance of nutrients to keep you feeling energized without being overly heavy. The addition of fresh herbs like basil not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the overall health benefits of the dish.
The optional addition of shredded Parmesan or mozzarella adds extra calcium and flavor, making the dish even more satisfying. However, you can easily make this dish lighter by skipping the cheese or opting for a lighter sprinkle.
Meal Prep and Leftovers
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is a great dish for meal prep, as it stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can prepare the pasta, chicken, and bruschetta mixture in advance, then simply combine them when you’re ready to eat. This makes it easy to enjoy a homemade meal during the week without having to spend a lot of time cooking each day.
Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop, and the flavors tend to develop even further after sitting for a day or two. The chicken stays tender, and the bruschetta mixture becomes even more infused with the flavors of the balsamic vinegar and garlic.
Conclusion
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is a simple yet elegant dish that brings the flavors of Italy to your kitchen in under 30 minutes. With fresh tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar paired with perfectly sautéed chicken and angel hair pasta, this dish is a satisfying and healthy meal that the whole family will enjoy. The combination of tangy balsamic vinegar, savory chicken, and fresh herbs creates a flavor profile that is both refreshing and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a winner. Easy, delicious, and full of flavor—what’s not to love?