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Healthy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

Healthy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

This 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.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup red onion diced
  • 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
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper
  • 8 ounces whole wheat pasta such as rotini, penne, or farfalle
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Equipment

  • Large pot,
  • Large Skillet or Dutch Oven

Method
 

  1. 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
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
    1 tablespoon olive oil
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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.
  9. 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
  10. 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

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying.
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