Description
This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta combines tender, golden-seared chicken with a fresh tomato-basil bruschetta topping, tossed with al dente pasta in a light balsamic glaze. Finished with melty mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan, this dish is a simple yet elegant way to enjoy classic Italian flavors in a comforting pasta meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta – Boil the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken – Season both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the chicken – Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Make the bruschetta topping – In the same skillet, add cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and balsamic vinegar. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly.
- Combine everything – Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the tomato mixture. Stir in sliced chicken and fresh basil.
- Add cheese & serve – Sprinkle mozzarella over the pasta, letting it melt slightly. Garnish with additional basil and grated Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Italian seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Make it creamy! Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta for a richer texture.
- Swap the pasta: Use whole wheat pasta, gluten-free penne, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Bruschetta Chicken Pasta, Italian Pasta, Easy Chicken Pasta, Bruschetta Chicken, Pasta Dinner