Healthy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta -

Name: Healthy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless (skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces); 1/2 cup olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 onion (minced); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 pound thin spaghetti; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups balsamic vinegar; 1/2 cup brown sugar

I’ve always been a fan of classic bruschetta, with its vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic. But I wanted to create a heartier version that could be enjoyed as a complete meal.

And so, my Healthy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta was born! I’ve adapted this recipe to use local ingredients, giving it a unique flavor that truly reflects the seasonality of my area.

This dish brings together the essence of that classic bruschetta—those juicy tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a touch of balsamic vinegar—with tender, seasoned chicken and al dente spaghetti. It’s a symphony of flavors that’s both light and refreshing, yet incredibly satisfying.

Whether you’re craving a quick and easy weeknight dinner or looking for a show-stopping dish to impress your guests, this Healthy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is sure to become a new family favorite.

Collage of Healthy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta.

I love how this recipe allows me to showcase the bounty of fresh produce available from local farmers’ markets. Using seasonal ingredients not only adds a burst of flavor but also supports sustainable and ethical food practices. I’ve also focused on using lean protein and whole-grain pasta to make this dish a healthier option without compromising on taste.

This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your preferences, and it’s also easily adaptable for vegetarian or vegan diets by simply omitting the chicken. Serve it alongside a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

I’m confident that you’ll fall in love with this Healthy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta as much as I do!

Ingredients

Chicken

The recipe calls for 2 pounds of chicken tenders/nuggets or boneless-skinless breasts cut into small pieces. We’ve all been there before, staring at a giant chicken breast in the fridge, willing it to magically cut itself into bite-sized pieces. Fear not! We’ll be using scissors for this time. It definitely sounds easier than using a knife!

Olive Oil

This will be used to cook the chicken and add flavor to the dish. Did you know that olive oil is extracted from the fruit of the olive tree? While most olive trees produce some fruit, only a specific variety, known as the oil olive, is cultivated for oil production. There are many different varieties of olives, some of which are grown specifically for eating (think green olives on a pizza!).

Herbs and Spices

The recipe calls for a combination of dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper, kosher salt, and fresh black pepper. These will add a ton of flavor to the chicken and the pasta sauce. Basil is a particularly interesting herb. While most people think of basil as being green, there is actually a variety of purple basil! It has a slightly different flavor profile than green basil, but can be used interchangeably in most recipes.

Other Ingredients

You’ll also need some minced onion, garlic, canned diced tomatoes, thin spaghetti, Parmesan cheese, and balsamic glaze. The balsamic glaze will be used for drizzling over the finished dish, adding a touch of sweetness and acidity.

Step-By-Step Instructions For The Recipe

Here’s how we can whip up this Bruschetta Chicken Pasta! Trust me, it’s much easier than it sounds, and I’ve got some tips to make it even smoother sailing in the kitchen.

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven heats up, we can prep the chicken. In a large bowl, get ready to combine your spices – oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (be careful with these, a little goes a long way!), salt, pepper, garlic, and olive oil. Give it a good mix to create a fragrant flavor base for the chicken.

Now, toss the chicken pieces in this spice mixture, making sure each piece gets a good coating. This ensures that every bite of chicken will be bursting with flavor. Once the chicken is coated, transfer it to a 13×9 baking dish.

Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s cooked through. You can check for doneness by cutting into a piece of chicken – the juices should run clear, with no pink in the center. Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the oven. Here comes the fun part – adding all the yummy ingredients together!

Pour the diced tomatoes over the cooked chicken in the baking dish. Now, toss everything together to combine the flavors – the juicy tomatoes with the flavorful chicken. Here’s another secret weapon, I love adding a sprinkle of fresh basil at this point, just to take the fresh flavor up a notch. But that’s totally optional!

Now, it’s time to bring the pasta into the party. Cook your spaghetti according to package directions, drain it well, and add it to the baking dish with the chicken and tomatoes. Toss everything together to make sure the pasta is evenly coated with that delicious sauce.

Finally, it’s plating time! Dish out the Bruschetta Chicken Pasta into individual plates. Here’s where you can get creative – make a little mountain of pasta on the plate for a restaurant-worthy look. Drizzle with your favorite sauce and to finish it all off, dust with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The salty cheese adds the perfect finishing touch!

There you have it, a restaurant-quality Bruschetta Chicken Pasta made in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy!

How Do I Level Up With Balsamic Sauce?

Let me tell you about my secret weapon for this Bruschetta Chicken Pasta – balsamic glaze! It’s this thick, syrupy sauce that adds a burst of sweet and tangy flavor to everything it touches. Seriously, I have been pouring it over all my dishes lately! Luckily, making it at home is surprisingly simple.

All you need is balsamic vinegar and sugar. That’s it! Just simmer the balsamic vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat until it reduces by half and thickens into a beautiful, glossy syrup. This typically takes about 15-20 minutes, but keep an eye on it – you don’t want it to burn.

Once it reaches that perfect consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. The glaze will thicken even more as it cools. Trust me, this homemade balsamic glaze will become your new go-to condiment. It’s not just for this Bruschetta Chicken Pasta; drizzle it over grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even a simple cheese plate. The possibilities are endless!

Tips & Tricks

Tip # 1 – Perfectly cooked chicken

I learned this the hard way, but make sure the chicken is in a single layer in the baking dish. This ensures even cooking and prevents any chicken from being undercooked in the center.

Tip # 2 – Spice Rub Prep

I always make a big batch of my go-to spice rub for chicken (similar to the one in the recipe, but maybe with a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth). Store it in an airtight jar in the pantry. This way, whenever chicken craving hits, I just grab the rub and go!

Tip # 3 – Balsamic Glaze Batch Prep

I usually make a big batch of balsamic glaze and store it in a glass jar in the refrigerator. It lasts for weeks, and it’s always ready to elevate any dish.

FAQs

My spice rub seems to lose its flavor after a while. Any tips?

I hear you! Sometimes spices can lose their potency over time. To keep your rub extra flavorful, store it in a cool, dark place away from heat and light. You can also add a pinch of dried citrus zest (like lemon or orange) to the rub. The zest adds a bright, citrusy note that really wakes up the flavors.

My diced tomatoes always seem to get watery in the fridge. How can I prevent this?

I’ve been there! To keep your diced tomatoes from getting watery, gently pat them dry with paper towels before storing them in an airtight container. You can also add a pinch of salt to help draw out excess moisture.

My basil plant isn’t thriving! What can I do to keep it happy?

Basil loves sunlight and well-draining soil. Make sure it gets plenty of sunshine, but avoid direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. Water it regularly, but don’t over-water. And remember to pinch off the flower buds as soon as they appear. This encourages the plant to focus its energy on growing more leaves.