Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Stack (Print version)
Juicy chicken, tender pasta, fresh tomato basil bruschetta, mozzarella, and balsamic glaze layered into a bright weeknight pasta stack.
# Ingredients:
For the tomato topping
01 -
2 cups (300 g) cherry tomatoes, quartered
02 -
1/2 cup (75 g) fresh mozzarella pearls, halved
03 -
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
04 -
1 small garlic clove, finely grated
05 -
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
06 -
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
07 -
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
08 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the chicken
09 -
1 lb (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin cutlets
10 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
11 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
12 -
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
13 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
14 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the pasta stack
15 -
10 oz (285 g) spaghetti or linguine
16 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
17 -
2 garlic cloves, minced
18 -
1/3 cup (30 g) grated parmesan cheese
19 -
1/2 cup reserved pasta water, as needed
20 -
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
21 -
Extra basil leaves, for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
Stir the tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, grated garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Let it sit while you cook the pasta and chicken.
02 -
Boil the spaghetti or linguine in well-salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
03 -
Pat the chicken cutlets dry. Season both sides with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
04 -
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and 165°F in the thickest part. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
05 -
Lower the skillet heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds, then add the pasta, parmesan, and a splash of pasta water. Toss until glossy.
06 -
Twirl pasta into 4 shallow bowls. Top with sliced chicken, spoon the tomato mozzarella topping over each serving, and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Finish with extra basil.
# Good to know:
01 -
Best served right after stacking while the pasta is warm.
02 -
Make the tomato topping 10-15 minutes before serving for the juiciest flavor.
03 -
Reserve pasta water before draining so the noodles can be tossed glossy.