Skillet Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Skillet Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is a delightful fusion of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The combination of juicy, chopped tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a sweet balsamic glaze creates a fresh and tangy sauce that complements the tender chicken and pasta. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity — it’s quick, customizable, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s all made in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze!

Ingredients

• 1 pound bow tie pasta
• 6 Roma tomatoes, chopped
• Large handful of fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste
• ½ tablespoon garlic, minced
• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• ½ cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Begin by cooking the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to salt the water well. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
2. Prepare the bruschetta topping: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped Roma tomatoes, fresh basil, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Stir and let the tomatoes cook for about 3-4 minutes, just until they start to soften. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Cook the chicken: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the tomato sauce, balsamic vinegar, and white sugar. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and thicken.
5. Combine everything: Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring the chicken and pasta are coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Finish the dish: Add the bruschetta mixture (tomatoes and basil) into the skillet and gently toss to combine. Let everything heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve and garnish: Serve the pasta on plates, topped with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy immediately!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves 4 people.
• Total Time: 30 minutes of active preparation time.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to make this a vegetarian-friendly meal.
• Pasta variety: While bow tie pasta works wonderfully, feel free to swap it with your favorite pasta shape, like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti.
• Grilled chicken: For extra flavor, you can grill the chicken breasts before adding them to the skillet, giving it a smoky char.
• Add cheese: Toss in some mozzarella or goat cheese for an extra creamy texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of tomatoes?

Yes, you can use any type of tomato, though Roma tomatoes are ideal for their firm texture and sweetness. Cherry or grape tomatoes can also work well.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat and combine with the fresh pasta when ready to serve.

3. Can I use store-bought balsamic glaze instead of vinegar?

Yes, store-bought balsamic glaze is a great alternative to the balsamic vinegar and sugar mixture. It will save time and still provide a similar flavor.

4. How can I make the sauce spicier?

If you prefer some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic when sautéing or drizzle some hot sauce over the finished dish.

5. Can I use different pasta shapes?

Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you like—penne, fusilli, or spaghetti will all work well in this recipe.

6. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw and cook it thoroughly before adding it to the skillet.

7. Can I substitute fresh basil with dried basil?

You can, but fresh basil provides a much brighter and more aromatic flavor. If using dried basil, use about one-third the amount and add it with the garlic.

8. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Be sure not to overcook the chicken. Once the chicken is golden and cooked through, remove it from the skillet right away.

9. Can I add more vegetables to the dish?

Definitely! You can add spinach, bell peppers, or even roasted vegetables for added texture and flavor.

10. How do I get a creamy texture in the sauce?

For a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese to the sauce before mixing everything together.

Conclusion

Skillet Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is a delicious, flavorful, and quick-to-make dish that will surely become a weeknight favorite. The combination of juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, balsamic vinegar, and tender chicken creates a mouthwatering sauce that coats every bite of pasta. With just a few simple ingredients and one skillet, this dish is a winner for both flavor and convenience.

Print