Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
A comforting and flavorful pasta dish combining juicy chicken, garlic, and sweet cherry tomatoes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, rich and fruity
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, aromatic and herbaceous
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, adding a savory depth
- to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti), comforting and hearty
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for sautéing
- 3 cloves garlic, minced, fragrant and pungent
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved, vibrant and sweet
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves (optional), tender and nutrient-rich
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, bright and fresh
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, tangy and rich
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), for a spicy kick
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, exquisite and creamy
- Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, cook the pasta until al dente for about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, season the sliced chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece is well-coated.
Cooking
- Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook until they are golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add two tablespoons of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook until they are tender and slightly blistered, about 4-5 minutes.
- If desired, add the fresh spinach, balsamic vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing it with the tomatoes and spinach.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the mixture in the skillet and stir to ensure that each piece is coated.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning as needed.
Garnishing
- Just before serving, garnish with fresh torn basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For the best results, season the chicken generously and let it rest after cooking. Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed. A splash of lemon juice can brighten the entire dish.