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Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

Lightly browned chicken tenderloins served over angel hair pasta with a fresh cherry tomato, basil, and balsamic bruschetta topping — a bright, 25-minute Italian-inspired weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American

Ingredients
  

  • 1.25 lb chicken breast tenderloins 1 to 1½ pounds
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • 0.5 cup fresh basil chiffonade (thinly sliced into ribbons)
  • 5 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tbsp balsamic glaze plus extra for drizzling if desired
  • 0.5 tsp salt for bruschetta mixture
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper for bruschetta mixture
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning for chicken
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 12 oz angel hair pasta cooked in salted water per package directions
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated or shredded

Equipment

  • Medium skillet
  • Large pasta pot
  • small mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Slice all cherry tomatoes in half. Chiffonade the basil by stacking the leaves, rolling tightly, and slicing into thin ribbons.
  2. In a small mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes, basil, garlic, balsamic glaze, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until combined.
  3. Place the bruschetta mixture in the refrigerator while preparing the chicken and pasta.
  4. Season the chicken tenderloins with Italian seasoning and additional salt and pepper if desired.
  5. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until fully cooked and lightly browned, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  6. Meanwhile, cook the angel hair pasta in a large pot of generously salted boiling water according to package directions. Reserve a small cup of pasta water before draining.
  7. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet over medium heat. Add the refrigerated tomato mixture and cook for 2–3 minutes until warmed through and slightly softened.
  8. Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the tomato mixture. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
  9. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet or arrange it on top of the pasta.
  10. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil and a splash of water. Best served fresh the same day. Do not freeze — angel hair pasta and fresh basil do not hold up well after freezing. Use balsamic glaze rather than balsamic vinegar for best results. Chiffonade basil rather than chopping to prevent browning. Add fresh mozzarella torn into pieces before serving for a caprese-style variation.