Introduction
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is a light, fresh, and flavorful meal that combines classic Italian-inspired ingredients into one comforting dish. This recipe takes everything you love about traditional bruschetta—ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, garlic, and olive oil—and transforms it into a hearty pasta dinner with juicy chicken and tender noodles.
What makes this dish so special is its balance of freshness and comfort. The bright tomato mixture adds natural sweetness and acidity, while the chicken brings protein and richness. Tossed with warm pasta and finished with cheese or balsamic glaze, this recipe feels elegant yet approachable.
Perfect for busy weeknights, summer dinners, meal prep, or family gatherings, Bruschetta Chicken Pasta comes together quickly and uses simple, wholesome ingredients. It’s a great alternative to heavy cream-based sauces and is ideal for anyone looking for a healthier, vibrant pasta dish.
Whether you’re cooking for guests or making dinner for yourself, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor right at home.
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Chicken:
12 oz penne, rotini, or spaghetti
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
For the Bruschetta Topping:
2½ cups cherry tomatoes, diced
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings:
Fresh mozzarella pearls
Grated Parmesan cheese
Balsamic glaze
Red pepper flakes
Preparation
Step 1:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
Step 2:
In a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside to marinate.
Step 3:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken, season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook for 6–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 4:
In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Return chicken to the pan, add cooked pasta, and pour in a little reserved pasta water. Toss to combine.
Step 5:
Remove from heat. Spoon the bruschetta mixture over the pasta, toss gently, and top with mozzarella, Parmesan, or balsamic glaze before serving.
Variations
Creamy Version: Add ¼ cup heavy cream or cream cheese
Shrimp Bruschetta Pasta: Replace chicken with shrimp
Whole Wheat Pasta: Use whole wheat for added fiber
Low-Carb Option: Substitute zucchini noodles
Spicy Style: Add crushed red pepper flakes or chili oil
Cooking Note
Always add the tomato bruschetta mixture after removing the pan from heat. This keeps the tomatoes fresh and prevents them from becoming watery or mushy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with garlic bread or focaccia
Pair with Caesar or garden salad
Add roasted zucchini or asparagus
Serve with sparkling water or lemonade
Top with extra basil and cheese
Tips
Use ripe tomatoes for best flavor
Slice chicken evenly for uniform cooking
Don’t overcook pasta
Let bruschetta rest 10 minutes before using
Add pasta water if sauce feels dry
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
35 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
Calories: 510
Protein: 37g
Sodium: 620mg
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but store the bruschetta mixture separately and add before serving.
Can I use canned tomatoes?
Fresh tomatoes are best, but drained canned tomatoes can work.
Is this recipe good cold?
Yes, it can be served as a pasta salad when chilled.
What cheese works best?
Mozzarella, Parmesan, or burrata are excellent choices.
How long do leftovers last?
Up to 3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is a fresh, colorful, and satisfying dish that blends classic Italian flavors with everyday convenience. Tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a meal that’s light, healthy, and full of flavor. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, this recipe is perfect for any occasion and is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
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Bruschetta Chicken Pasta – Fresh Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta Dinner
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Chicken:
-
12 oz penne, rotini, or spaghetti
-
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
-
½ teaspoon black pepper
-
½ teaspoon salt
For the Bruschetta Topping:
-
2½ cups cherry tomatoes, diced
-
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings:
-
Fresh mozzarella pearls
-
Grated Parmesan cheese
-
Balsamic glaze
-
Red pepper flakes
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
In a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside to marinate.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken, season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook for 6–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Return chicken to the pan, add cooked pasta, and pour in a little reserved pasta water. Toss to combine.
Remove from heat. Spoon the bruschetta mixture over the pasta, toss gently, and top with mozzarella, Parmesan, or balsamic glaze before serving.
Notes
Always add the tomato bruschetta mixture after removing the pan from heat. This keeps the tomatoes fresh and prevents them from becoming watery or mushy.