Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half horizontally
• 1 cup Italian salad dressing
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 8 Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• 6 basil leaves, chopped (or more to taste)
• 1 head garlic, cloves separated, peeled, and chopped
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 pound angel hair pasta
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Step 1: Start by preparing the chicken. Place the chicken breasts, Italian dressing, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a resealable plastic bag. Seal the bag and gently squeeze it to coat the chicken with the marinade. Refrigerate for 15 minutes or up to 4 hours.

Step 2: Prepare the bruschetta mixture. In a large bowl, combine the Roma tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Mix well and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside.

Step 3: Heat the vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it in the skillet. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until golden brown and the juices run clear. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches at least 165F (74C). Discard the marinade.

Step 4: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside to cool slightly. Once cool, slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the angel hair pasta for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is tender yet firm to the bite. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 6: In the same skillet, remove any excess oil and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook, stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 7: Stir in the prepared bruschetta mixture and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 8: Toss the cooked pasta with the bruschetta mixture. Top with the sliced chicken and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 536
• Total Fat: 38g (49% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 6g (28% DV)
• Cholesterol: 17mg (6% DV)
• Sodium: 818mg (36% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 37g (14% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 2g (9% DV)
• Total Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 12g (24% DV)
• Vitamin C: 14mg (16% DV)
• Calcium: 44mg (3% DV)
• Iron: 2mg (11% DV)
• Potassium: 424mg (9% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

This delicious Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is a perfect blend of fresh flavors and comforting textures. Combining pan-seared chicken with the vibrant zest of bruschetta, this dish is ideal for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Below, we explore the history, regional variations, and interesting facts about this dish that make it even more delightful.

History and Origin

The origins of the Bruschetta Chicken Pasta dish are rooted in the traditional Italian bruschetta, a dish dating back to the 15th century. Bruschetta, originally an appetizer, was created by peasants who would grill stale bread and top it with fresh ingredients such as garlic, tomatoes, olive oil, and basil. Over time, this simple preparation evolved, with modern variations incorporating ingredients like balsamic vinegar and mozzarella.

Bruschetta Chicken Pasta, however, is a more recent creation, merging the rustic charm of bruschetta with the creamy comfort of pasta. It blends two iconic Italian elements into one satisfying meal, offering a twist on both classic pasta dishes and the traditional bruschetta appetizer.

Regional Features

While the origins of bruschetta lie in central Italy, variations of it can be found throughout the country. In the southern regions, particularly in Campania, tomatoes are a key feature, which is reflected in the Bruschetta Chicken Pasta recipe. The use of fresh basil and balsamic vinegar also highlights a trend found in modern Italian cuisine, particularly in the north, where more sophisticated seasonings are used.

Despite being an Italian-inspired dish, Bruschetta Chicken Pasta has gained significant popularity outside Italy, especially in the United States, where its often served in Italian-American restaurants. The fusion of pasta and bruschetta reflects the growing trend of combining traditional Italian ingredients with contemporary cooking styles.

Difference from Similar Dishes

Bruschetta Chicken Pasta stands out from other pasta dishes like Chicken Parmesan or Pasta Primavera due to its fresh, light toppings. Unlike the heavy cheese-based sauces in traditional Italian-American pastas, this dish incorporates a fresh, tangy bruschetta mix of tomatoes, basil, garlic, and balsamic vinegar. This results in a lighter, more vibrant dish that retains the essence of traditional Italian flavors without being overly rich.

Additionally, the chicken is marinated in Italian dressing, adding an extra layer of flavor that differentiates it from more straightforward pasta and chicken combinations.

Where to Serve It

Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is versatile enough to be served in a variety of settings. It's perfect for casual family dinners, especially when you want to impress your guests with a delicious and beautiful dish. Its also great for gatherings, as it can be made in large quantities to feed a crowd.

In Italy, while you may not find this specific dish on the menu, variations of bruschetta served alongside pasta are common in trattorias and local eateries. In the United States, this dish is frequently found in Italian restaurants, often as a special or on the menu of family-style dining establishments.

Interesting Facts

• The term bruschetta comes from the Italian word bruscare, which means to roast over coals referring to the traditional method of toasting the bread.
• Balsamic vinegar, a key ingredient in the bruschetta mix, is produced in Modena, Italy, and is considered one of the finest vinegars worldwide.
• Angel hair pasta (used in this recipe) is a very thin variety of pasta, also known as "capellini." It cooks quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners.
• This dish is a great example of how Italian cuisine evolves, with traditional recipes being adapted for modern tastes and ingredients.

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