There are so many things to love about this dish. I really like the combination of tomato, basil and garlic and then when you add cream, baby you are in business! I am currently obsessed with campanelle pasta so that makes this dish even better. Campanelle means little bells in Italian and I find they are a nice change from bow tie or ziti pasta.They are fun to eat, look pretty and hold sauce really well so they show up often in our meals.
In Italy, the word bruschetta refers to a grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with olive oil. Here in the United States, you commonly see bruschetta on a menu as a tomato, basil and garlic medley on top of toasted bread, (although you can top grilled bread with anything and call it bruschetta). Of course, I know that I don’t have any grilled bread in my pasta, but it would be delicious with some on the side, so that should count for something!
Properly named or not, this is a really delicious dish that only takes two pots and less than 30 minutes and I am all about that!
Hey by the way if you are vegetarian or are looking for a way to make this a fast lunch, omit the chicken and swap the stock for vegetable stock and you still have a great pasta dish!
Enjoy!

Chicken Bruschetta Pasta

Chicken

2 teaspoons olive oil
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cubed into bite sized pieces
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper for chicken
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon Mrs. dash

Sauce

2 cloves of garlic minced
zest and juice of one large lemon
½ cup chicken stock
1 teaspoon Mrs. Dash
1 teaspoon salt
¾ cup cream
½ teaspoon dried dill
6-8 basil leaves (2 tablespoons chopped)
1 pint grape tomatoes (cut in half lengthwise)
1 lb short pasta (I used campanelle, you could use ziti, bow tie or any pasta of your choice)

Boil pasta according to package directions.

Meanwhile, in a large non stick skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add chicken, and season with salt, pepper, mrs.dash and garlic powder. Stir occasionally until chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
Once chicken is cooked, add chicken stock, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, Mrs. Dash, salt, dried dill and cream. Allow to reduce slightly (1-3 minutes while simmering) Next add tomatoes and basil, stir and allow to reduce further, 2-3 minutes. Add cooked, drained pasta to pan and toss to combine. Season further with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with grated cheese, if you desire.