Description
A flavorful and hearty Bruschetta Chicken Pasta combining tender chicken, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and melted cheeses tossed with penne pasta for an easy and satisfying Italian-American dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional
- Red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Prepare Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces evenly with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Tomatoes and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they begin to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta, balsamic vinegar, and fresh chopped basil. Toss everything together thoroughly to combine all ingredients and flavours.
- Add Cheese and Serve: Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the mixture and allow it to melt slightly for a minute or two. Garnish with extra fresh basil and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, marinate chicken in Italian dressing for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Rotisserie chicken can be used as a convenient shortcut.
- Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
