Description
A quick and flavorful weeknight pasta dish featuring juicy chicken, fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil, all tossed with your favorite pasta. Inspired by the vibrant flavors of bruschetta, this recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and customizable with your favorite add-ins.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups Roma or cherry tomatoes, diced and seeded
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh basil, torn
8 oz pasta (angel hair or spaghetti)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Reserved pasta water (about 1/2 cup)
Optional: balsamic glaze, crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Make bruschetta topping: In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, and torn basil. Set aside to let flavors meld.
- Cook pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare chicken: Pound chicken breasts to 1/2-inch thickness. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Sauté chicken: Heat a skillet (preferably cast-iron) over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest, then slice into strips.
- Combine: In the same skillet, return the cooked pasta along with the sliced chicken. Add bruschetta mix and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss until warmed through and evenly coated.
- Serve: Plate and top with Parmesan, extra basil, and optional balsamic glaze.
Notes
Swap chicken with shrimp or chickpeas for variation.
Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for more nutrients.
Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 5 days.
Reheat with a splash of olive oil or sauce for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: bruschetta chicken pasta, weeknight dinner, easy pasta recipe, quick chicken pasta, healthy Italian recipe, 30-minute meal