This Easy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is a colorful and tasty dish. With juicy chicken, fresh tomatoes, and basil, it brings the bright flavors of Italy to your dinner table!
Cooking this pasta feels like a mini celebration! I love how quick it is to whip up, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner—or anytime you want something special without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this dish. You can substitute with grilled chicken strips, rotisserie chicken, or even shrimp for a different protein option.
Pasta: Rigatoni or penne are great choices for a hearty meal. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free pasta or zoodles (zucchini noodles) instead.
Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes bring the best flavor. If they’re out of season, you can use canned diced tomatoes. However, fresh gives a better texture and taste in this recipe.
Basil: Fresh basil adds a wonderful aroma and flavor. If you can’t find it, dried basil can work in a pinch, but use less as it’s more concentrated—about 1 tablespoon dried should be sufficient.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal for its rich flavor. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can be a good substitute for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do I Cook Chicken Perfectly Every Time?
The key to juicy chicken is cooking it correctly. Here’s how to get it right:
- Use medium-high heat for searing. This helps develop a nice brown color without overcooking.
- Season well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before cooking to enhance the flavor.
- Give the chicken space in the skillet. Crowding the pan can steam the chicken instead of searing it, which leads to less flavor.
- Cook until it’s golden on the outside and no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer for precision; it should read 165°F.
Easy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Pasta:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
For the Bruschetta Topping:
- 3 large ripe tomatoes, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
For Serving:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a slight kick
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta will take about 25 minutes from start to finish. It includes around 10 minutes for prep and about 15 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Searing the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sautéing Tomatoes and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once heated, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn. Then, add the diced tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, just until they soften a bit but still hold their shape.
4. Combining Ingredients:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it with the tomatoes and garlic. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently mix everything together until well combined and heated through.
5. Finishing Touches:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh chopped basil and sprinkle the dish with grated Parmesan cheese. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes!
6. Serving:
Serve your Easy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta immediately, garnished with extra basil if desired. Enjoy this delicious, vibrant meal!
Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni and penne are great options, you can use any pasta you prefer. Spaghetti, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta would work well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Tomatoes?
No worries! If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead. Just drain them slightly before adding to the skillet, and they will add a nice flavor to the dish.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also include some canned chickpeas or tofu for extra protein!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to keep it from drying out.
