Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a ziplock bag or shallow dish. Whisk together ¼ cup olive oil, minced garlic, dried basil, salt, black pepper, oregano, and crushed red pepper. Pour over the chicken, coating evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
1 pound boneless, ¼ cup olive oil, 2 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried basil, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Prepare the Bruschetta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, fresh basil, diced onion, and olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss well and set aside.
2 cups cherry tomatoes, 4 garlic cloves, 3 tablespoons fresh basil, 2 tablespoons sweet onion, 2 teaspoons olive oil
Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 375°F.
Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and add it to the skillet. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned.
Top with Cheese and Bruschetta: Place a slice of mozzarella on top of each chicken breast. Spoon some of the bruschetta mixture over the cheese, reserving at least half for the pasta. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the top.
3 to 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, 2 to 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
Cook the Pasta: While the chicken bakes, boil the penne pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and place in a large bowl.
8 ounces penne pasta
Assemble and Serve: Toss the drained pasta with the remaining bruschetta mixture and a drizzle of olive oil if needed. Slice the chicken and place it over the pasta. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and shaved parmesan if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Fresh basil leaves, ¼ cup shaved parmesan cheese