📑 Table of Contents ▶
- Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Ingredients and Directions
- Fundamentals
- Preparation/Setup
- Directions
- Perfecting Your Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
- Technique
- Tips/Tricks
- Troubleshooting and Variations for Your Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
- Perfecting Results
- Variations
- Serving and Storing Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
- Presentation
- Pairings/Storage
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Welcome to SousVideRecipe! I’m Jasmine, a home cook who fell in love with sous vide the moment I realized it could turn everyday meals into restaurant-quality dishes with perfect consistency. My goal is to make sous vide cooking approachable and fun for real home kitchens — no complicated steps, just flavorful, reliable recipes anyone can master. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, I’m here to inspire you to enjoy cooking and create unforgettable meals one perfectly cooked bite at a time.
My love for Bruschetta Chicken Pasta started on a sunny Sunday afternoon. I had a craving for something light yet fulfilling, so I picked up a few fresh ingredients from my local market. As I chopped ripe cherry tomatoes and fragrant basil, memories of summer picnics washed over me. The aroma of garlicky chicken sizzling in the pan filled my kitchen, instantly transporting me to warmer days. This dish is a delightful combination of flavors that come together in such a beautiful way.
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is not only a feast for the senses but also showcases how easy it is to bring a taste of Italy into your home. Everyone deserves to enjoy a meal that bursts with flavor and freshness. This recipe gives you a hearty chicken pasta dish that satisfies hunger and brings comfort after a long day. Embracing accessible ingredients keeps the cooking experience enjoyable, ensuring you can recreate this delicious meal any time you crave a culinary escape.
The vibrant colors and rich flavors of this dish captivate both the eyes and the taste buds. Each bite of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and juicy tomatoes delivers a delightful experience. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this easy, elegant dish that can easily elevate any weeknight dinner.
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Ingredients and Directions
Fundamentals
To master Bruschetta Chicken Pasta, understanding the role of each ingredient makes a difference. Quality chicken breast serves as the protein base, while penne pasta holds onto the juicy tomato-basil sauce. The fresh basil leaves add an aromatic herbaceous note that completes the dish. Grated Parmesan cheese provides a salty finish, enhancing the overall flavors. With these basics, you can customize the dish to suit your palate.
Preparation/Setup
Setting up your kitchen for this dish involves having all ingredients prepped and ready to go. Start by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Halve your cherry tomatoes, chop the basil, and mince the garlic. Gather your olive oil, balsamic glaze, and seasoning for easy access during cooking. This organization not only keeps the process smooth but also makes it more enjoyable.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Italian seasoning to taste
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Season the chicken breast pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, drain the pasta, and return it to the pot.
- In a small pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped basil.
- Toss the drained pasta with a little olive oil and divide among serving plates. Top with grilled chicken pieces and spoon the tomato-basil mixture over the chicken.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Finish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Perfecting Your Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Technique
Perfecting the technique is essential for achieving the best results with your Bruschetta Chicken Pasta. Start by searing the chicken pieces in a hot pan to develop a crispy exterior. This step locks in moisture and flavor while adding depth to every bite. Don’t rush the cooking process; allow the chicken to become golden brown for optimal flavor.
Another key technique involves cooking the penne pasta just to al dente. This ensures it holds its shape and texture after combining with the sauce. Reserve some of the pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed. It serves as a magic ingredient to achieve the right level of creaminess and flavor.
Tips/Tricks
To boost flavors in your Bruschetta Chicken Pasta, consider a few extra tips. First, marinate the chicken pieces in Italian seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This extra time allows the herbs to infuse the meat, enhancing its taste.
Using a mix of heirloom and cherry tomatoes adds a beautiful color and a range of flavors to your dish. If you’re looking to add a slight kick, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. Don’t shy away from including more fresh basil. A generous handful elevates the freshness of the dish and enhances the overall experience.
Troubleshooting and Variations for Your Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Perfecting Results
Sometimes, the pasta can stick together after boiling. To prevent this, stir it occasionally during cooking and ensure it’s well-coated with olive oil afterward. If the chicken ends up dry, reduce the cooking time slightly or use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F.
For a burst of flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice over the finished chicken and pasta. This simple addition brightens the entire dish, making it even more unforgettable.
Variations
Feeling creative? Experiment with different pasta types. Farfalle, fusilli, or even whole wheat options can add variety while still complementing the other ingredients beautifully. You can also swap grilled chicken for shrimp or grilled vegetables, making it suitable for different dietary preferences.
If you enjoy additional layers of flavor, consider adding olives or capers to the tomato-basil mix. These ingredients provide a Mediterranean twist that enhances the overall experience of your Bruschetta Chicken Pasta.
Serving and Storing Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Presentation
Presentation elevates homemade dishes, making them feel more special. For Bruschetta Chicken Pasta, serve it family-style in a large bowl or plated individually for a lovely dining experience. Garnish with extra chopped basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a professional touch.
Pair with a simple green salad drizzled with olive oil and lemon for a fresh contrast to the richness of the pasta. Consider serving crusty bread on the side to soak up any remaining sauce, allowing every bite to shine.
Pairings/Storage
While considering pairings, think about light, refreshing sides that complement the flavors of the dish. A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette works well. For storage, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, reheat gently on the stove and add a splash of water or olive oil to revive the sauce’s texture.
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is a fantastic addition to your weeknight repertoire. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your home. Enjoy every mouthful and be proud of your culinary accomplishment, savoring every delicious bite.
PrintBruschetta Chicken Pasta
A delightful combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and juicy tomatoes, bringing a taste of Italy to your home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: None
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Italian seasoning to taste
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Season the chicken breast pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, drain the pasta, and return it to the pot.
- In a small pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped basil.
- Toss the drained pasta with a little olive oil and divide among serving plates. Top with grilled chicken pieces and spoon the tomato-basil mixture over the chicken.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Finish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken beforehand. You can also substitute different pasta shapes or proteins according to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg