This Easy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is a tasty dish that brings together juicy chicken, fresh tomatoes, and basil. It’s all tossed with pasta for a quick meal that feels fancy!
This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Just cook, mix, and enjoy—easy peasy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rigatoni and penne both work great, but any pasta you have on hand will do. Try fusilli or farfalle if you’re looking for variety!
Chicken: I like using chicken breasts as they cook quickly and stay tender. You can substitute with cooked rotisserie chicken to save time, or use shredded turkey for a different option.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is best for flavor, but you can replace it with canola or avocado oil if you’re looking for a neutral taste.
Fresh Tomatoes: I love using fresh tomatoes for their juicy goodness. If they’re out of season, canned diced tomatoes work well, just drain them first.
Basil: Fresh basil really enhances the dish, but dried basil will work in a pinch—just use less, about 1 tablespoon.
How Can I Cook Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but here’s how to get it just right for this pasta! Ensure that your skillet is hot before adding the chicken to get a nice sear.
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for flavor.
- Cook over medium-high heat until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Don’t crowd the pan; this helps it brown nicely.
- Make sure it’s cooked through—use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F (75°C).
Easy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) rigatoni or penne pasta
- 2 medium chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Time Needed:
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. It includes about 10 minutes for prep and around 20 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rigatoni or penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, place the chicken pieces in a bowl and season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Make sure they’re evenly coated for great flavor!
3. Sauté the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook them, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until they’re browned and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil on medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
5. Add the Tomatoes:
Now, it’s time to add the diced tomatoes to the skillet. Cook them for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Stir in the chopped basil and balsamic vinegar, if you’re using it. Let them cook for another minute to combine the flavors.
6. Combine Chicken and Pasta:
Return the cooked chicken back into the skillet, mixing it with the tomato and basil mixture gently. Then, add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together so it’s all well combined and heated through.
7. Season and Serve:
Give everything a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve your pasta warm in bowls, and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if you like!
Enjoy your quick, flavorful Bruschetta Chicken Pasta, perfect for busy weeknights!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni or penne are great choices, you can use any pasta you have on hand. Spiral pasta, farfalle, or even spaghetti will work well in this dish.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Tomatoes?
No problem! You can substitute fresh tomatoes with canned diced tomatoes. Just make sure to drain them before adding to the skillet for the best result.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and prepare the tomato mixture ahead of time. Store them in the fridge separately, and then combine and cook with the pasta when you’re ready to serve.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to keep the pasta moist and flavorful.
