Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Dish
An explosion of fresh flavors that brings the classic bruschetta topping to life with tender chicken and angel hair pasta. This dish combines juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a tangy balsamic dressing, all served on a hearty bed of pasta. Itโs the perfect dish to enjoy on a cozy evening or to impress your guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients:
For the Bruschetta Topping:
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1 pound Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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ยฝ cup fresh basil leaves, torn into bite-sized pieces
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1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
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Kosher salt, to taste
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Chicken:
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1-1ยฝ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
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ยฝ pound angel hair pasta
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Water for boiling the pasta
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Salt for the pasta water
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Bruschetta Topping
Start by prepping your fresh ingredients for the bruschetta topping. The key to this dish is the vibrant, fresh tomato mixture that will shine when paired with the tender chicken and delicate pasta.
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Dice the Roma tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes in half, remove the seeds, and dice them into small, bite-sized pieces. This step helps reduce excess moisture, keeping the bruschetta from getting too watery when mixed with the pasta later.
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Mince the garlic: Peel and finely mince your garlic cloves. Garlic adds a punch of aromatic flavor that complements the tomatoes and basil.
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Tear the fresh basil: Gently tear your basil leaves into smaller pieces to release their oils and fragrance. Fresh basil is a classic herb in any bruschetta topping, and it will infuse the dish with a lovely fragrance.
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Mix the ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, minced garlic, and torn basil. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for a touch of acidity that will balance the sweetness of the tomatoes. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is well combined. Set this bowl aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the chicken and pasta.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Now, letโs turn our attention to the chicken. The key to perfectly cooked chicken is to use medium-high heat and ensure it stays juicy and tender.
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Prepare the chicken breasts: Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts. If the breasts are particularly thick, you can slice them in half horizontally to ensure even cooking.
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Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. These seasonings will complement the fresh flavors of the bruschetta topping perfectly.
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Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165ยฐF or 74ยฐC).
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Rest the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Resting the chicken allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat remains moist and tender.
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Slice the chicken: After the chicken has rested, slice it thinly against the grain. This will make the chicken easier to eat and more tender when served alongside the pasta.
Step 3: Prepare the Pasta
While the chicken is cooking, you can start boiling the pasta.
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Boil the pasta: In a large pot, bring 4-6 cups of water to a boil. Add salt to the water (this will help flavor the pasta). Once the water is boiling, add the angel hair pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually for about 2-4 minutes, as angel hair cooks quickly.
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Drain the pasta: Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain it well, but be sure to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water for later use. This starchy water can help adjust the consistency of the sauce when you combine everything later.
Step 4: Combine the Chicken, Pasta, and Bruschetta
Now itโs time to bring everything together!
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Toss the pasta: In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add the cooked angel hair pasta. If you have any leftover juices from cooking the chicken, this will add flavor to the pasta. Toss the pasta for a minute or two over medium heat to warm it up and mix it with the flavorful bits from the skillet.
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Add the chicken: Add the sliced chicken on top of the pasta, mixing gently to combine.
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Incorporate the bruschetta topping: Spoon the fresh bruschetta topping over the pasta and chicken. You can mix it in gently or leave it on top as a garnish, depending on your preference. The balsamic vinegar and fresh tomato juices will create a light, tangy sauce that complements the richness of the chicken.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
The final step is to plate your bruschetta chicken pasta and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
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Serve: Divide the pasta and chicken mixture evenly between plates. Be sure to include some of the fresh tomato bruschetta topping with each serving.
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Garnish: For added freshness, garnish with a few more torn basil leaves on top. You can also sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil if you desire.
Cooking Tips and Variations
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Chicken Alternatives: If you prefer a different protein, you can substitute the chicken breasts with grilled chicken thighs, shrimp, or even turkey for a leaner option.
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Pasta Variations: While angel hair pasta is used here for its delicate texture, you can also use spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine for a different take on the dish.
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Add Veggies: To make this dish heartier, consider adding sautรฉed zucchini, spinach, or roasted bell peppers. These vegetables complement the tomato and basil and add extra nutrients to the dish.
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Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the bruschetta topping or the pasta while tossing it together. This adds a pleasant kick that enhances the flavors of the garlic and balsamic vinegar.
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Herb Substitutions: If you donโt have fresh basil, you can use dried basil or even fresh parsley as a garnish. However, fresh basil truly shines in this dish and brings out the bright, summery flavors.
Why This Dish Works
The Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Dish is a perfect blend of simplicity and freshness. The bruschetta topping brings the juicy, tangy flavor of fresh tomatoes, while the seasoned chicken adds a satisfying protein element. The angel hair pasta serves as the perfect base, absorbing the balsamic and tomato juices, creating a dish that is both light and filling.
This dish is versatile, so you can easily customize it to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, itโs sure to be a hit at any dinner table.
Enjoy your Bruschetta Chicken Pasta! Let me know if youโd like to explore more delicious recipes. Happy cooking!