Healthy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is a vibrant and remarkably simple weeknight meal that brings the fresh flavors of Italy right to your table, offering a lighter take on a beloved classic. This recipe is your answer to enjoying a satisfying, restaurant-quality dish without the fuss or the guilt.
Key Ingredients for Healthy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade by reducing balsamic vinegar)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces whole wheat pasta (such as rotini, penne, or farfalle)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
How to Make Healthy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
This Healthy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is a culinary dream come true for busy cooks seeking both health and incredible flavor! In just about 30 minutes, you’ll whip up a dish that’s bursting with fresh, zesty ingredients and boasts a satisfying, yet light, profile. The combination of tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, and a delightful balsamic kiss makes every bite a celebration.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Return the drained pasta to the pot.
Preheat Your Pan: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Cook the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the hot skillet. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and diced red onion to the same skillet. Cook, stirring, until the onion is softened and the tomatoes begin to blister and release their juices, about 4-5 minutes.
Infuse with Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Deglaze and Create the Sauce: Pour in the balsamic glaze. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This will begin to form a light, flavorful sauce.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta to the skillet as well. Toss everything together gently to coat the chicken and pasta with the tomato and balsamic mixture.
Adjust Consistency (if needed): If the pasta seems a little dry, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water at a time, tossing until you reach your desired sauce consistency. The pasta water will help emulsify the sauce and make it cling beautifully to the pasta.
Add Fresh Herbs and Serve: Stir in most of the chopped fresh basil, reserving a little for garnish. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Plate and Enjoy: Serve the Healthy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta immediately, garnishing with the remaining fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
You’ll adore this Healthy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta for its incredible freshness and vibrant Italian-inspired flavors, reminiscent of a classic bruschetta but transformed into a hearty, craveable main course. The star of the show is the delightful combination of juicy tomatoes, aromatic basil, and the sweet tang of balsamic, all perfectly complementing the lean chicken and satisfying whole wheat pasta. Plus, making this at home means you’re gaining a delicious, wholesome meal without the hefty restaurant price tag, offering fantastic value and control over your ingredients.
Forget those heavy, cream-laden pastas; this dish offers a light yet incredibly flavorful experience that won’t leave you feeling weighed down. It’s the perfect solution for a quick weeknight dinner that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. Ready to bring a taste of Italy to your home? Give this Healthy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store your delicious Healthy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly. Leftovers will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
For reheating, the best method is to gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or unsalted broth to the pan to help loosen the sauce and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave, but be mindful to avoid overheating, which can make the pasta mushy. Freezing is also an option for longer storage. Once cooled, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using the stovetop method for the best results.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients can create an utterly delightful and wholesome meal. Whip up this vibrant dish tonight and experience the perfect balance of flavor and ease. Give it a go – you won’t be disappointed!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Healthy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Return the drained pasta to the pot.8 ounces whole wheat pasta
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.1 tablespoon olive oil
- Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the hot skillet. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, to taste salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and diced red onion to the same skillet. Cook, stirring, until the onion is softened and the tomatoes begin to blister and release their juices, about 4-5 minutes.1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup red onion
- Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.2 cloves garlic, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Pour in the balsamic glaze. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This will begin to form a light, flavorful sauce.1/4 cup balsamic glaze
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta to the skillet as well. Toss everything together gently to coat the chicken and pasta with the tomato and balsamic mixture.1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 8 ounces whole wheat pasta
- If the pasta seems a little dry, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water at a time, tossing until you reach your desired sauce consistency. The pasta water will help emulsify the sauce and make it cling beautifully to the pasta.
- Stir in most of the chopped fresh basil, reserving a little for garnish. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.1/4 cup fresh basil, to taste salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper
- Serve the Healthy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta immediately, garnishing with the remaining fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.1/4 cup fresh basil, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese