Impress your Valentine this year with a flavorful, romantical [it’s a word] dinner; Bruschetta Chicken and Pasta. It’s simple, light, and packed with flavor. And no need to make reservations!
The first Valentine’s Day Jason and I were together, he made a big fuss over the day. Reservations were made at a local fondue restaurant, but since everyone else had the same idea, we ended up eating dinner at 5pm, which isn’t super romantic when you’re rushed after a day from work, and the only two people in the restaurant!
Since then, we’ve celebrated Valentine’s Day a number of ways; attending hockey games, trips to the movie theatre, or one year I made a roast chicken for my boyfriend, and somehow ruined it. Lucky for me, a month later my boyfriend proposed, so I suppose that roast chicken wasn’t too bad, now was it? I like to think my cooking has since improved…
Valentine fo’ life
I think we tend to do simple things for Valentine’s Day, because of our busy schedules. Having a husband in law school means we don’t get to do all the normal date-type things together the way many of our friends may, so a night out for us may be simple, but we’re happy. At the end of the day spending quality time together is all that matters, isn’t it?
This year, we’re actually going to spend it with a few friends to attend another live sports event. But I plan to make this Bruschetta Chicken and Pasta for dinner, so we have some alone time before we’re with friends. For me, there is no greater way to show my love than through food. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, or not!
Bruschetta Chicken over “zoodles”
This dish is so simple, but I feel like the bruschetta, marinated with a good olive oil, garlic, and balsamic vinergarette, help to kick up any ol’ grilled chicken breast in an elegant way.
For presentation, and extra flavor, I like to make a balsamic reduction at the end to top over my Bruschetta Chicken.
This light, flavorful dish pairs really well with a glass of Gallo Family Vineyard’s Riesling. I first tried Gallo Family’s Riesling last summer at the Food and Wine Conference, and to date, it is the best Riesling I have ever had – not too sweet, and not too tart. With whispers of honeysuckle, juicy peach and ripe citrus notes, Gallo Family’s Riesling is the perfect wine to pair with tomatoes, chicken, and/or pasta, so make sure to buy a bottle to pair with your dinner.
This dish is also good for dinner as a family this Valentine’s Day, or your girlfriends if you’re celebrating Galentine’s Day ala Parks and Recreation!
I am topping my Bruschetta Chicken over zucchini “pasta”, but any side you choose will be perfect, I promise!
[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:20]
Oh my gosh, it looks perfect with the zoodles – such a fresh and colorful meal!
Sounds delicious! I think changing it up and doing what works best for you is how I would be. I’m not one that like over emphasis just for special occasions, so this sounds right up my alley!
I am totally digging on this Yum!
This looks and sounds amazing!!
I don’t know how I, initially, missed the PASTA part of this dish. I think I was so mesmerized with the gorgeous bruschetta and chicken. I think your husband is very lucky to have such a talented and loving wife who has come very far since the roasted chicken days!
Aww, thanks so much, Betsy!!
Love this yummy chicken over the zoodles – a perfect combo!
Thanks, Brianne! I feel like I can never get enough “zoodles”
I want this for dinner every night…it looks so tasty!!
This sounds like an amazing dish!
It’s even better with cheese!
What a great photo of you two! I’m all about keeping things easy and relaxed. This looks like a great dinner, really for any time!
Thanks, Susan! It’s my fave wedding photo of us (and there were like 600 in all, lol)..I love simple, tasty dishes
I love Bruschetta Chicken and this looks awesome!
Thanks, Michele!
What a beautiful dish! And I love that you used zucchini pasta. So perfect!!
I would love some whole grain pasta with it, but we’re watching our grains, so zoodles it is!
I just love it! This is one of my favorite flavor combos of all times!
Thanks, Jennifer!
This looks super tasty and nice and light. Perfect for a Valentine’s Day meal. I enjoyed reading your post and seeing all your pictures too. Very sweet. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Thanks, Renee. Happy Valentine’s Day to you too!
I love Bruschetta Chicken! This is so easy and so flavorful with all the fresh ingredients! Thanks for sharing, Nichole!
I’ve learned the fresher the ingredients, the tastier the dish!
Gorgeous, delicious, and healthy—what more could you wish for on Valentine’s Day! Fabulous chicken, Nichole!
wine? Oh good thing we have that already 🙂
The photo of the two of you is just so sweet! And what a great meal for a special someone on Valentine’s Day too.
Thanks, Renee!