Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Salad

Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Salad is a must make for any occasion in minutes! Filled with Italian seasoned grilled chicken, garlic and parmesan cheese!

Ingredients

1 pound (500 g) thin spaghetti pasta, (dry weight)

1 pound (500 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, (2 large breasts)

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons minced garlic

2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped (about 1/3 of a red onion)

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, (adjust to your tastes)

8 roma tomatoes, diced

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more to serve

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil or parsley

Salt and pepper, to taste

Balsamic glaze to serve (optional) -- I use store bought

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions; Drain and rinse in cold water. Transfer to a large bowl; set aside.

While the pasta is boiling, season chicken with the herbs, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Heat 1 teaspoon of oil on in a grill pan or skillet, and sear chicken breasts over medium-high heat until browned on both sides and cooked through (about 6 minutes each side). Remove from pan; set aside and allow to rest.

Add the remaining olive oil to the same hot pan / skillet. When hot, sauté the garlic and red onion until garlic is fragrant (about 1 minute). Turn off heat. 

Add in the tomatoes, toss them lightly in the heat to warm them through and combine all of the flavours. Add the tomato mixture onto the pasta. 

Mix in the vinegar, parmesan cheese and basil (or parsley). Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Slice the chicken; add to pasta. Toss the pasta with all of the ingredients until well combined.

Top with 2 tablespoons of extra parmesan cheese (OPTIONAL) and serve immediately with balsamic glaze, OR refrigerate up to an hour before serving.