Description
This Crispy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Bruschetta is a delicious and easy-to-make meal combining tender, garlic-coated chicken with perfectly cooked spaghetti and vibrant bruschetta sauce. The chicken is coated in a crispy panko breadcrumb crust and air fried until golden, complemented by a creamy garlic spread tossed with spaghetti. It’s a flavorful dish ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces garlic spread
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Sauce and Pasta
- 14.5 ounces bruschetta sauce
- ½ pound spaghetti noodles
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise through the middle to create thinner cutlets for even cooking.
- Coat with Garlic Spread: Measure out ½ cup of the garlic spread and coat all sides of each chicken piece thoroughly with it to add strong garlic flavor.
- Apply Breadcrumbs: Place the panko breadcrumbs into a shallow bowl. Dredge each garlic-coated chicken piece in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the crust on all sides.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Arrange the panko-crusted chicken in a single layer inside an air fryer basket. Optionally spray lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness. Air fry at 400°F for 6 minutes, carefully flip each piece, then air fry another 6 minutes until chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil on the stovetop over high heat. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and Toss Pasta: Reserve one cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta well. Transfer it to a large bowl, add the remaining ½ cup of garlic spread and ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss the pasta to coat evenly, adding more pasta water as needed to achieve a smooth, creamy sauce consistency.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate some of the garlic pasta, top with a piece of crispy chicken, then spoon the bruschetta sauce generously over the chicken and pasta. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can cook the chicken in the oven at 425°F for about 20 minutes or pan fry it on the stovetop in a bit of oil if you don’t have an air fryer.
- Adjust pasta water quantity to get your preferred sauce consistency.
- Use fresh bruschetta sauce or canned based on availability; fresh offers more vibrant flavor.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
