This Easy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is a wonderful mix of juicy chicken, fresh tomatoes, and tasty basil. It’s light, colorful, and ready in no time!
I love how all the flavors come together in this dish. It feels fancy but is super simple to make. Plus, it’s a great way to impress friends at dinner! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Angel Hair Pasta: This pasta cooks quickly and pairs well with the light sauce. If you don’t have angel hair, you can substitute it with spaghetti or linguine. Just keep an eye on cooking times!
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is a great choice for this dish. However, you could also use grilled or rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
Tomatoes: Fresh ripe tomatoes are key for that bruschetta taste. If tomatoes aren’t in season, canned diced tomatoes can work in a pinch. You can also try cherry tomatoes sliced in half for a different texture.
Basil: Fresh basil adds aromatic flavor. If you don’t have it, consider substituting with fresh parsley or even a little dried Italian seasoning, but add it sparingly as dried herbs are stronger.
Balsamic Glaze: This adds a sweet tang. If you don’t have it on hand, mixing vinegar (like red wine or apple cider) with a bit of honey or sugar can mimic the flavor.
How Do I Perfectly Cook Chicken for This Recipe?
Cooking chicken perfectly is essential for this recipe. Here are some handy tips:
- Start with chicken at room temp; it cooks more evenly that way.
- Preheat your skillet well before adding the chicken. This helps get a nice sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This keeps it juicy!
Following these steps will give you tender, flavorful chicken for your pasta!
Easy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces angel hair pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 large ripe tomatoes, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze or balsamic reduction
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients, 15 minutes cooking, and a few extra minutes plating and drizzling the balsamic glaze. It’s a quick meal that’s sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boil the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the angel hair pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper for flavor. Then, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and you see nice grill marks. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
3. Prepare the Tomato Mixture:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Now, toss in the diced tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm them up and let their juices release.
4. Combine and Serve:
Stir in the freshly sliced basil into the tomato mixture and remove the skillet from heat. Now return your cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss it with the tomato mixture so that it’s nice and evenly coated.
To serve, plate the pasta and top it with the sliced grilled chicken. Drizzle balsamic glaze over everything to enhance that bruschetta flavor profile. If you like, finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and some extra basil for garnish!
Enjoy this fresh, vibrant, and easy bruschetta chicken pasta as a fantastic weeknight dinner that bursts with bright flavors!
FAQ for Easy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While angel hair pasta works great for this dish, you can substitute it with other types such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or even whole wheat pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose!
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Tomatoes?
If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead. About 1 cup of canned tomatoes should work well. Just make sure to drain them if they’re packed in liquid, as you want to keep the dish from becoming too watery.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You can sauté them along with the garlic and tomatoes for added flavor!
