Go Back

Fresh Balsamic Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

Balsamic-marinated chicken, fresh Roma tomato and basil bruschetta, and Parmesan tossed with spaghetti in a light pasta water sauce — a bright, high-protein Italian dinner in 30 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 465

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced into strips
  • 2 tbsp balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 cups Roma tomatoes diced; cherry tomatoes halved work well outside peak season
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil chiffonade
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil plus extra for the skillet
  • 8 oz spaghetti or linguine cooked al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
  • 1 tbsp balsamic glaze for finishing
  • 1 salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • medium mixing bowl
  • colander

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. While it heats, toss chicken strips with balsamic glaze, oregano, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine diced Roma tomatoes, chiffonade basil, minced garlic, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside at room temperature — do not refrigerate.
  3. Cook pasta in the boiling water until al dente according to package directions. Before draining, scoop out 1/2 cup of pasta water and reserve. Drain the pasta.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add chicken strips in a single layer and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the chicken. Pour in the entire bruschetta mixture including the bowl juices. Toss together over medium heat for about 1 minute.
  6. Add the Parmesan and 3 to 4 tablespoons of reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes until a light sauce forms that coats the pasta. Add more pasta water a tablespoon at a time if needed.
  7. Divide into bowls. Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and extra fresh basil. Serve immediately.

Notes

Storage: Best served fresh. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a small splash of water. Not suitable for freezing. Substitutions: Use cherry tomatoes halved in place of Roma outside peak season. Swap Parmesan for fresh mozzarella pearls added off the heat for a Caprese-style finish. Replace pasta with zucchini noodles for a lower-carb version — omit pasta water and add a teaspoon of olive oil to bind instead. Tips: Always use room temperature tomatoes for the bruschetta topping. Reserve pasta water before draining — it is essential for the sauce. Do not crowd the chicken in the skillet or it will steam rather than sear.