Make this flavorful Bruschetta Chicken Pasta for a quick weeknight dinner. It combines juicy chicken with fresh tomato, basil, and a tangy balsamic finish.
Author:sophia collins
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:20 min
Total Time:35 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound dry pasta (penne or rotini)
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
4 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls (optional)
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Set the drained pasta aside.
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the halved tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they just begin to soften.
In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the mixture reduces and thickens slightly into a glaze, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the tomatoes. Add the cooked pasta, chopped basil, and reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
If using, stir in the fresh mozzarella pearls until they are slightly melted.
Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of the balsamic glaze.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use a good quality balsamic vinegar for the glaze.
This recipe works well with grilled chicken if you prefer to skip the skillet cooking step.
Find more Italian inspired chicken pasta ideas on our Pinterest account.