Ingredients
Scale
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients, especially fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil, which truly bring the bruschetta flavor to life. I always choose ripe, in-season tomatoes when possible — their natural sweetness makes all the difference. When it comes to the chicken, boneless, skinless breasts work best for even cooking and tenderness. And don’t skip the garlic; it’s the unsung hero here, adding depth to every bite. If fresh basil isn’t available, a sprinkle of dried Italian herbs can still give you great flavor.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 8 ounces penne pasta (or your favorite short pasta)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (for drizzling)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water (to help the sauce come together)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their juices. Pour in the chicken broth and balsamic vinegar, stirring gently.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with chopped basil and half the Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Bruschetta Chicken Pasta, recipe, cooking, food
