Bruschetta Pasta
Bright and juicy tomatoes, fresh basil and garlic. All the flavors of a traditional bruschetta but tossed with pasta. Finished with a delicious balsamic reduction, This Bruschetta Pasta is the perfect solution for a quick and easy dinner.
Every season, we let the boys choose what sport they want to play. This winter, Jack chose basketball and Will chose hockey. Now, Jack’s choice, I was fully on board with. Will’s? Not so much. I grew up playing basketball, so I’ve always (secretly) wanted the boys to play basketball.
But, if you know Will, you know that he marches to the beat of his own drum. Not wanting to follow in his brother’s footsteps, Will announced that he wanted to play hockey. Okay, hockey it is.
Will started out the season barely being able to skate. He ended the season just cruising around the rink. Now, he’s hooked. I guess I’m going to be a hockey mom now!
Will had so much fun playing hockey – learning new things, gearing up in all his pads, lots of physical contact on the ice (not always pre-approved ?) and meeting new people.
Jack was so excited to play basketball. He had been wanting to play for the last couple of years but, Covid happened and we decided not to have him play. With numbers way down, we figured it was time to let him ball!
He was apprehensive at first but he did such a great job. He worked hard and was (very) focused. Jack especially liked when they started playing games. They started out with lightening. Jack wasn’t quite sure how to play but, the second game in, he won! He had the biggest smile ever.
The next few times, they got to play “real basketball”. Jack was pumped! He is officially the defensive specialist. The kid couldn’t do a better job defending – he can equally keep an eye on the ball and his defender. All while swatting the ball away when it comes his way.
It was so much fun watching him play! The only tough part was keeping Will at bay on the sidelines.
I have always loved bruschetta – everything about it is perfect. So, not really a whole lot of room for improvement in that sphere. But what about taking those flavors and making a Bruschetta Pasta?! Now that I can do!
Juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic. All tossed with olive oil and finished with a delicious balsamic reduction. Yum.
Bruschetta Pasta Ingredients
- whole wheat pasta
- olive oil
- garlic
- cherry tomatoes
- fresh basil
- balsamic reduction
- salt and pepper
What is a Balsamic Reduction?
As the name suggests, a balsamic reduction is balsamic vinegar that has been reduced. This is something you can make on your own or purchase. To make it on your own, you just simmer balsamic vinegar until it evaporates. This results in a slightly thicker sauce with a more intense flavor.
Now, while a balsamic reduction is not difficult to make, it is a little stinky. I mean, think of it. Boiling vinegar? Not exactly the best smell in the world.
So, I always opt for store bought when it comes to balsamic reduction. It stays for a long time and is as easy as flipping open a cap!
What is Bruschetta?
Bruschetta originated as an appetizer in Italy. Traditionally, bruschetta is put on top of grilled bread rubbed with garlic. The combination of that with tomatoes and basil is chef’s kiss! Bruschetta just can’t be improved upon. So, I switched it up! Sub out the bread for another carb – pasta.
Shredded Chicken
If you’d like to add some extra protein to this bruschetta pasta, shredded chicken would be a great addition. You can definitely just use a rotisserie chicken but I have another delicious (and easy) idea!
This recipe stems from my hatred of breaking down a rotisserie chicken. I don’t like any of it – it takes too long, I don’t like dark meat and I hate constantly having to go to the store to buy another rotisserie chicken.
If this resonates with you, then you need to make shredded chicken in your Instant Pot! It’s so easy and incredibly flavorful. I always make a big batch of it and keep it in the freezer to have on hand.
It also freezes really well – just put a single layer in a reusable bag and lay it flat to freeze it. Then, when you are ready to use it, just break off the amount that you would like and heat it up!
Check out some of my most popular recipes:
Healthy, Quick & Easy Recipes
Whenever I ask my readers what types of recipes they would like to see more of, the resounding answer is always “quick and easy dinners”. I always like hearing that answer because those are the kind of recipes that I want to make! So, whenever you come to Land of 10,000 Recipes, you will always be able to find recipes that are healthy, quick and easy!
Tips for Involving Kids
- Let your kids help you cut the tomatoes. If you’ve been wanting to have your kids practice using their own knives, tomatoes are a perfect thing for them to start on.
- Have them help you put all of the ingredients in a bowl together and mix it all up.
- There is always going to be a mess when you cook with your kids but, like my little guy Will says, “It’s okay Mom, chefs make messes and then they clean it up.” Have fun cooking with your kids!!
Bruschetta Pasta
Ingredients
- 16 oz. spaghetti noodles
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes chopped
- ½ cup basil roughly chopped
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- balsamic glaze for serving
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions.16 oz. spaghetti noodles
- While the pasta is cooking, combine the garlic, tomatoes, basil, olive oil and balsamic vinegar in a large bowl.2 cloves garlic, 2 cups cherry tomatoes, ½ cup basil, ¼ cup olive oil, 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Once the pasta is al dente, use a pasta server to transfer the noodles directly from the pot to the bowl of bruschetta.
- Mix everything and let sit for 5 minutes to let the flavors combine. Season with salt and pepper.salt and pepper
- When ready to serve, drizzle with the balsamic glaze.balsamic glaze
