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To make Bruschetta Chicken Pasta, you need these main items: - 1 lb chicken breast, diced - 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini) - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh basil, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar - 3 tbsp olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients work well together to create a rich and tasty dish. The fresh basil and tomatoes add a vibrant flavor. You can add some optional items to boost taste: - Crushed red pepper flakes for heat These crushed red pepper flakes give a nice kick. If you like it spicy, just sprinkle some in! Here’s what you need to cook this dish: - Large pot for boiling pasta - Large skillet for sautéing - Cutting board and knife for chopping - Measuring cups and spoons - Serving plates Having the right tools makes cooking easier. A good knife helps you chop quickly, and a large skillet allows even cooking. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, fill a large pot with water. Add salt, then bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 12 ounces of pasta. You can use penne or rotini. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. It should be firm but not hard, called al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, take a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil on medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 pound of diced chicken breast. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook it for about 6-8 minutes. You want it to be golden brown and cooked all the way through. When it’s done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Once heated, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells good. Then, add 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for 3-4 minutes, stirring often. The tomatoes should soften and release their juices. Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta to the mix. Pour in 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar and half of the chopped basil. Toss everything together gently. Make sure all the ingredients are well mixed and heated through. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and mixes in well. Taste your dish and add more salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes if you want it spicier. Once everything is mixed, plate your pasta and sprinkle the rest of the basil on top. Drizzle a little olive oil for a nice shine before serving. Enjoy! To cook pasta perfectly, use a big pot. Fill it with water and add salt. The water should taste like the sea. Bring the water to a boil before adding your pasta. Stir the pasta right after adding it to prevent sticking. Cook it until it is al dente, which means it should still be firm. Check the package for exact cooking times. After cooking, drain the pasta but don’t rinse it. This keeps the starch, which helps the sauce stick. When picking chicken, look for fresh, high-quality cuts. Skinless, boneless chicken breasts work best for this dish. They cook evenly and absorb flavors well. Check for a bright pink color and no strong odor. If you can, buy organic or free-range chicken. It often tastes better and is healthier. If you're in a hurry, pre-diced chicken is also fine. Just be mindful of the cooking time. To enhance the flavor of your bruschetta chicken pasta, consider adding fresh herbs. Basil is great, but try parsley or oregano too. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. If you like heat, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty kick. For extra richness, drizzle a little extra olive oil on top before serving. Don't forget to taste as you go; adjusting the seasoning will make a big difference! Pro Tips Perfect Pasta Cooking: Always cook your pasta in generously salted water to enhance its flavor. Aim for a taste reminiscent of the sea! Chicken Seasoning: For maximum flavor, marinate your diced chicken in olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Fresh Herbs Timing: Add fresh basil at the end of cooking to maintain its vibrant flavor and bright color. Cooking it too long can dull its taste. Balsamic Reduction: For an extra flavor boost, consider reducing balsamic vinegar in a saucepan until it thickens slightly before adding it to your dish. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Swap the chicken for diced eggplant or zucchini. These veggies soak up flavors well. Use the same cooking method for a tasty meal. You can also add chickpeas for protein. This change keeps the dish filling and delicious. If you need a gluten-free meal, choose gluten-free pasta. Options like brown rice or quinoa pasta work great. They still give you that great texture. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package. The rest of the dish stays the same, so it tastes just as good. Incorporating seasonal veggies adds color and flavor. Try bell peppers, spinach, or asparagus. You can sauté them with the garlic for extra taste. Toss them in with the tomatoes and chicken. This makes your pasta more vibrant and healthy. Plus, it’s a fun way to use fresh produce! To store leftover bruschetta chicken pasta, use an airtight container. Make sure to cool the pasta before sealing. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When reheating bruschetta chicken pasta, you have a few options. The best way is to use the stove. Place the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. Stir often until it is warm. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid hot spots. To freeze bruschetta chicken pasta, first cool it completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out excess air to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the taste fresh and delicious. I recommend penne or rotini pasta for this dish. Both shapes hold sauce well. Their curves grab the tasty mix of chicken and tomatoes. You can also use spaghetti if you prefer long noodles. It will still taste great! Yes, you can prepare Bruschetta Chicken Pasta ahead of time. Cook the pasta and chicken, then mix the bruschetta ingredients. Store them separately in the fridge. This way, you can combine them when you're ready to eat. Just reheat and add cheese before serving. To add heat, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes. Start with a little, then taste. You can always add more if you want more spice. Another option is to use spicy chicken sausage instead of plain chicken. This adds flavor and heat! Bruschetta Chicken Pasta pairs well with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with vinaigrette is perfect. Garlic bread is another great choice. It helps soak up the delicious sauce. For drinks, try a light white wine or sparkling water with lemon. In this blog post, we explored the tasty world of Bruschetta Chicken Pasta. We covered the best main and optional ingredients to elevate your dish. I shared step-by-step instructions to guide you through cooking it perfectly. You also learned helpful tips and fun variations for everyone. Don't forget the ways to store leftovers and reheat them. Enjoy making this flavorful dish that brings joy to your table. Your cooking can impress friends and family, so dive into this recipe and savor each bite.

Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

A delicious pasta dish topped with bruschetta-style chicken, fresh tomatoes, and basil.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  • 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 2 mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 4 balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, then add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta, balsamic vinegar, and half of the chopped basil. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the mozzarella cheese until it is melted and evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
  • Plate the pasta and top with the remaining fresh basil. Drizzle with a little olive oil for shine before serving.

Notes

Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired.
Keyword bruschetta, chicken, Italian, pasta