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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 oz penne pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup balsamic glaze - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a spicy kick Tips for selecting fresh tomatoes When you pick tomatoes, look for ones that feel firm and heavy. The skin should be smooth and shiny. Smell the stem end; a strong, sweet smell means they are ripe. Choose cherry tomatoes that are bright and colorful. Importance of using fresh basil Fresh basil adds a bright flavor to the dish. It is best to use basil that is vibrant and fragrant. Dried basil will not give the same fresh taste. You can tear the leaves by hand to release more oils and flavors. Alternatives for chicken You can use turkey or tofu if you want to avoid chicken. Both options will still taste great. Just adjust cooking times as needed. Gluten-free pasta options If you need gluten-free pasta, look for penne made from rice or quinoa. These can be cooked just like regular pasta. They will soak up the flavors well. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt. This step makes your pasta taste great. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Usually, this takes about 10-12 minutes. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside in a large bowl. While the pasta cooks, let’s prepare the chicken. Take 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season them with salt and black pepper. For some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This will make your chicken tasty. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want the chicken to be golden brown and reach 165°F inside. After cooking, remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice it into thin strips. Now, let’s make the sauce. In the same skillet, lower the heat a bit. Add 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds. Stir it constantly to avoid burning. You want it fragrant, not brown. Next, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook them for 3-4 minutes until they soften. Then, stir in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil. Finally, add the cooked penne pasta and 1/4 cup of balsamic glaze. Gently toss everything together until well mixed. Time to serve! Use deep bowls for a nice look. Spoon the pasta mixture into each bowl. Arrange the sliced chicken on top. Finish with a sprinkle of 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. For an extra touch, drizzle more balsamic glaze around the edge. Garnish with fresh basil leaves to make it pop. Enjoy your beautiful bruschetta chicken pasta! To make juicy chicken, start with good seasoning. Use salt and pepper. If you want heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Make sure to cook the chicken until it reaches 165°F (75°C). This is the safe temperature for chicken. I check doneness with a meat thermometer. This tool is very helpful for beginners. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This keeps the juices inside. Slice it thinly before adding it to the pasta. This way, each bite has great flavor. To make the dish pop, you can add more herbs. Fresh oregano or thyme works well. They add a nice touch to the overall taste. You can also consider a squeeze of lemon juice. This adds brightness to the dish. Adjust the acidity of the balsamic glaze too. If it feels too sweet, add a splash of vinegar. This balances the flavors. Remember to taste as you go. Your taste buds are your best friend in the kitchen! Meal prep can cut down cooking time. You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead. Store them in the fridge until you are ready to eat. You can also use pre-cooked chicken. This can save you time when making dinner. If you want a quick fix, grab rotisserie chicken. It’s already cooked and adds great flavor. Use it in place of raw chicken for an easy meal. Just mix it into the pasta at the end. Enjoy your meal without the fuss! Pro Tips Perfect Pasta Cooking: Always salt your pasta water generously. It should taste like the sea, which enhances the pasta's flavor as it cooks. Chicken Searing Secrets: For a golden-brown crust on your chicken, make sure the skillet is hot and don't overcrowd the pan. This allows for better searing. Fresh Herbs Usage: Add fresh basil at the end of cooking to retain its vibrant flavor and color. Cooking it too long can diminish its freshness. Balsamic Glaze Tips: If you don't have balsamic glaze, you can reduce balsamic vinegar in a saucepan until it thickens. This creates a similar sweet-tart flavor. {{image_4}} You can easily make a vegetarian bruschetta pasta. Simply swap the chicken for your favorite veggies or tofu. Zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms work great. Cut the veggies into small pieces. Cook them in the skillet until tender. Tofu adds protein and absorbs flavors well. Cook it until golden. Adjust cooking times as needed. Veggies may take less time than chicken. Taste as you go to ensure they are cooked just right. For a creamy twist, add cream or cheese sauces to your dish. A rich Alfredo or a light cream sauce pairs nicely. You can also mix in a bit of cream cheese for extra richness. To make a simple creamy sauce, combine heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and a pinch of garlic powder. Heat it gently until smooth. Pour this over the pasta and mix well for a delightful creamy texture. If you love heat, try adding jalapeños or other spicy peppers. Fresh jalapeños can give a nice bite. You can also use crushed red pepper flakes for a subtler heat. Start with a small amount, then taste. Balance the spice with the fresh flavors of tomatoes and basil. Adding a touch of honey can also help mellow the heat while enhancing the sweetness. To keep your Bruschetta Chicken Pasta fresh, use airtight containers. Glass containers work great as they do not stain. Plastic containers are also good if they seal tightly. Store the pasta in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors will blend well, making it even tastier on the second day. When reheating pasta, avoid drying it out. You can use the microwave for quick reheating. Add a splash of water and cover the dish with a damp paper towel. This helps keep moisture in. For stovetop reheating, add a little olive oil or broth to a pan. Heat on low while stirring gently. This will keep the pasta fresh-tasting. You can freeze portions of Bruschetta Chicken Pasta for later meals. Let the pasta cool completely before freezing. Use freezer-safe containers or bags and label them with the date. When ready to eat, thaw the pasta overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, adding a bit of water or oil to keep it moist. Enjoy the flavors even after freezing! Making Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is quick and easy. It takes about 30 minutes total. Here’s the timing breakdown: - Prep Time: 15 minutes - Cook Time: 15 minutes In just half an hour, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy. Yes, you can use many kinds of pasta. While penne works great, feel free to try: - Fusilli - Farfalle - Spaghetti Each type adds a different twist to the dish. Choose what you love! Bruschetta Chicken Pasta pairs well with several side dishes. Consider these ideas: - Garlic bread for a crunchy bite - A fresh green salad for a light touch - Roasted vegetables for extra flavor These sides will make your meal even better. You can prep Bruschetta Chicken Pasta ahead. Here are some meal prep tips: - Cook the pasta and chicken in advance. - Store them separately in the fridge. - Combine and heat when you’re ready to serve. This way, you’ll save time on busy days! This blog post guides you on making Bruschetta Chicken Pasta. We discussed key ingredients, like chicken and fresh basil, and their importance. I shared step-by-step cooking tips, ensuring a flavorful dish. You learned variations for different diets and how to store leftovers. In the end, this recipe is versatile and easy to make. Whether you want it spicy or creamy, there’s a version for you. Hopefully, you feel inspired to try this dish. It’s a great way to enjoy fresh flavors, and your taste buds will thank you!

Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Delight

A delicious pasta dish featuring chicken, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze.
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
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 0.5 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.25 cup balsamic glaze
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside in a large mixing bowl.
  • While the pasta is cooking, season each chicken breast generously with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
  • Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Cook for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is golden brown. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into thin strips.
  • Using the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  • To the skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften and release their juices. Stir in the chopped basil and the reserved cooked penne pasta. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the mixture and gently toss everything together until well combined.
  • To plate, spoon the pasta mixture into serving bowls and arrange the sliced chicken on top. Finish by sprinkling the grated Parmesan cheese over the dish, and add an extra drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra flavor boost.

Notes

Serve in deep bowls and garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.
Keyword balsamic glaze, bruschetta, chicken, pasta