Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts served over delicate angel hair pasta and topped with a fresh, vibrant bruschetta mixture—finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a restaurant-quality touch!
Servings & Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Dietary Tags: High-Protein, Mediterranean-Inspired, Family-Friendly
📝 Ingredients
For the Bruschetta Topping:
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Roma tomatoes, diced (about 2 cups)
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2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
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¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
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1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
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Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Chicken & Pasta:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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8 oz angel hair pasta
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2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for the pasta if desired)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
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Balsamic glaze for drizzling
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Make the Bruschetta Topping
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In a medium bowl, combine diced tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
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Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
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Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Remove from skillet and let rest.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
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While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook angel hair pasta according to package instructions (usually 3–4 minutes). Drain and toss with a little olive oil if desired.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
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Divide pasta among serving plates.
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Top each with a chicken breast.
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Spoon generous amounts of bruschetta topping over the chicken.
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Drizzle with balsamic glaze, if using.
💡 Notes & Tips
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Tomato tip: Use firm, ripe Roma tomatoes for the best texture.
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Chicken alternative: For quicker cooking, use thin-sliced chicken cutlets.
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Make it lighter: Use whole wheat angel hair pasta or zucchini noodles to lower WW points.
📸 Step-by-Step Guide
(Suggested photo ideas: prepping bruschetta → searing chicken → cooking pasta → assembling plate → final dish with balsamic glaze drizzle)
Pro Tip: Let the bruschetta topping sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
🥄 Ingredient Insights & Swaps
Why these ingredients?
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Roma tomatoes & basil: Classic, fresh bruschetta flavor.
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Garlic & balsamic: Aromatic and slightly sweet acidity to balance the dish.
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Olive oil & pasta: Simple, high-quality ingredients that let the fresh flavors shine.
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Chicken: Lean protein that soaks up the balsamic and garlic flavors beautifully.
Substitutions:
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Swap chicken for grilled shrimp or turkey cutlets.
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Use gluten-free pasta or spiralized veggies if needed.
🎨 Flavor Variations & Serving Ideas
Flavor Add-Ins:
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Sprinkle with shaved Parmesan or mozzarella (adds WW points).
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Add chopped red onion or roasted red peppers to the bruschetta mix.
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A pinch of crushed red pepper for a little heat.
Serving Suggestions:
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Pair with a side salad of mixed greens and lemon vinaigrette.
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Serve with roasted vegetables for added fiber.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
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Storage: Store chicken, pasta, and bruschetta topping separately for best texture. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat pasta and chicken gently; add bruschetta topping fresh when serving.
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Make-Ahead Tip: Bruschetta topping can be made up to a day in advance.
🔎 Nutrition & WW Points (per serving estimate)**
Calories: ~410 kcal | Protein: ~32g | Carbs: ~28g | Fat: ~18g
WW Points (per serving with regular pasta and full olive oil):
➡️ 8 Points
Lightened version (with whole wheat pasta, less olive oil, and no balsamic glaze):
➡️ 6 Points
WW Points will vary depending on pasta type and exact quantities. For best accuracy, enter your specific ingredients into the WW app.
Allergens: Wheat (pasta), optional dairy if cheese garnish is used
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes—just use gluten-free angel hair pasta or zucchini noodles.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Absolutely—this recipe is naturally dairy-free unless you add cheese as a topping.
Q: Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-searing?
A: Definitely! Grilling adds extra smoky flavor and reduces the need for oil.
📝 The Story Behind the Recipe
This recipe was born from my love of turning classic appetizers into satisfying main courses. Bruschetta’s fresh flavors pair so well with juicy chicken and light pasta—it’s a simple dish that looks and tastes like something from a fine Italian bistro, but easy enough for a weeknight!