Bruschetta pasta is made by combining ingredients that are usually used to make bruschetta, such as tomatoes, basil, and garlic, with cooked pasta. This recipe is quick and easy to make as well as being vegetarian-friendly, but there are variations in recipes that include different ingredients such as chicken and cheese as well. The dish can be made using any type of pasta such as fettuccine and spaghetti, and is usually seasoned with salt and pepper, as well as vinegar and olive oil. This dish is great as a light lunch or dinner, and makes a nice alternative to more traditional pasta dishes such as spaghetti bolognese. It is often served with a freshly-made green salad.
Making bruschetta pasta is not very difficult or time-consuming, which makes it a great dish for those who are in a rush or have limited time. To begin, cook the chosen pasta in salted, boiling water for approximately 11 minutes or until al dente, which is when the pasta is still firm, but not hard. During this time, it is a good idea to start preparing the other ingredients that will be added to the dish, such as the tomatoes, basil, and garlic, which should be finely-chopped. When the pasta is cooked, strain out any excess water and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Finally, combine the chopped ingredients and season the dish to taste.
One common variation of this recipe is chicken bruschetta pasta, which involves adding chicken and cream to create a dish that is creamy and rich in flavor. To make this variation, chicken is cut into strips and cooked with garlic for approximately three minutes on medium heat. When the chicken starts to brown, chopped tomatoes and cream are added and it is then cooked for three more minutes. While the mixture is cooking, the pasta is placed in salted, boiling water and cooked until al dente. The pasta is then strained of excess water and it is combined with the chicken mixture, fresh basil, and salt and pepper.
Originating from the Italian word bruscare, which means "to cook over hot coals," bruschetta is a popular appetizer in Italian cuisine and is the influencing dish behind bruschetta pasta. It is made using similar ingredients to bruschetta pasta, which are then placed on top of grilled bread. There are many types of bruschetta, but it is typically made by coating olive oil and garlic on grilled bread, and topping with tomatoes and basil or other herbs of choice.
