Description
How to make bruschetta chicken pasta with tender chicken, fresh tomatoes and basil that brings Italian comfort to your weeknight dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil for cooking
Bruschetta Base
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Flavor Builders
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring large pot of salted water to boil and cook penne according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Season Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry and season with salt, pepper, and oregano. This helps create a golden crust and prevents the chicken from steaming.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken pieces 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Build Sauce: In same skillet, sauté garlic 30 seconds until fragrant. Add wine and broth, scraping up browned bits for maximum flavor development.
- Add Cream: Stir in heavy cream and simmer 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon lightly.
- Combine Everything: Return chicken to pan, add pasta, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar. Toss gently until everything is warmed through and well coated.
- Finish Dish: Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Don’t add tomatoes too early or they’ll break down and become mushy instead of staying fresh.
- Reserve pasta water before draining – the starch helps create a silky sauce consistency.
- Fresh basil added at the end keeps its bright flavor and beautiful green color.
- Let chicken rest briefly after cooking to retain juices when you slice or serve.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end since Parmesan adds saltiness to the dish.
Allergy Information: Dairy, Gluten
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 35g