🍝 Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
📖 Description:
This delicious pasta dish is like an Italian summer on a plate! Tender grilled chicken pairs perfectly with a fresh bruschetta-style topping of cherry tomatoes, garlic, red onion, and basil. Tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta and a drizzle of olive oil, it’s simple, bold, and bursting with freshness. Perfect for a light dinner or a lively lunch!
📝 Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Optional: Parmesan cheese, balsamic glaze, or red pepper flakes for topping
🍳 Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
Boil penne pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. - Grill the Chicken:
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a little olive oil. Grill (or pan-sear) for about 6–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly. - Prepare the Bruschetta Mix:
In a large bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, minced garlic, and fresh basil. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss well. Let sit for 10 minutes to develop flavor. - Combine Pasta and Bruschetta Mix:
In a large serving bowl or skillet, toss the cooked pasta with the bruschetta mix. If it seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. - Add the Chicken:
Top the pasta with the grilled chicken slices. - Finish & Serve:
Optional: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve warm or slightly chilled.
👨🍳 Tips & Notes:
- Make Ahead: The bruschetta mix can be made a few hours ahead for even deeper flavor.
- Chill It: Great served warm or as a cold pasta salad!
- Customize It: Add chopped mozzarella balls or swap penne for bowtie or spaghetti.
- Low-Carb Swap: Try with spiralized zucchini or chickpea pasta.
🍽️ Servings:
4–6 servings, depending on portion size.
🔬 Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate):
- Calories: ~480 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 45–50g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: ~200mg
💪 Health Benefits:
- Lean protein from grilled chicken helps with muscle repair and satiety.
- Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.
- Garlic & onions support immune and heart health.
- Basil adds anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits.
- Olive oil provides heart-healthy fats.
- Balanced meal with protein, healthy fat, and complex carbs.
❓Q&A:
Q: Can I use store-bought bruschetta topping?
A: Yes, but fresh homemade tastes brighter and allows you to control the salt and oil content.
Q: Can this be made vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Just skip the chicken or substitute with grilled tofu, chickpeas, or mushrooms.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It tastes great cold too!
Q: Can I meal prep this?
A: Yes! Keep the chicken and bruschetta mix separate until ready to eat for best freshness.
Let me know if you’d like a one-pan version or a gluten-free alternative! 🌿🍝