Thereโs something magical about the fresh, vibrant flavors of bruschetta paired with tender chicken and al dente pasta. This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is a comforting yet refreshing dish, combining juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and perfectly seared chicken in a light garlic sauce.

I discovered this recipe during a summer barbecue when I had leftover bruschetta mix and some grilled chicken. After tossing everything together with pasta, it became an instant hit in my household. Let me show you why this quick, easy, and flavorful dish should be your next dinner go-to.
Why Youโll Love This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Get ready to elevate your pasta night with this irresistible dish. Bruschetta Chicken Pasta isnโt just a mealโitโs a vibrant celebration of classic Italian flavors.
- Quick and easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Light yet satisfying: The combination of fresh tomatoes and basil with chicken makes it hearty without feeling heavy.
- Budget-friendly: Using pantry staples like pasta and fresh, simple ingredients keeps costs low while maximizing flavor.
- Versatile: Whether youโre cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish is easily adaptable to suit different preferences.
The balance of warm, savory chicken with the brightness of the bruschetta topping makes every bite unforgettable. Letโs dive into what makes this dish so special.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this dish lies in its fresh, simple ingredients. Each plays a key role in delivering the bright, bold flavors you love in bruschetta and pasta.
- Pasta: I recommend using spaghetti or linguine, as the long strands beautifully soak up the light garlic sauce. However, penne or bowtie pasta also work well if you prefer something bite-sized.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here. They cook quickly and remain juicy, but you can also use thighs for an even richer flavor.
- Fresh tomatoes: Use ripe Roma tomatoes or cherry tomatoes for the best results. Their natural sweetness adds depth to the dish.
- Basil: Fresh basil leaves are non-negotiable for this recipe. They bring a fragrant, peppery touch that ties everything together.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the sauce with robust flavor. Avoid jarred garlic, as it wonโt have the same intensity.
- Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan at the end adds a salty, nutty finish to the pasta.
Finally, youโll need a large skillet and a pasta pot to pull this recipe together. A zester for grating cheese or lemon (if you want to add a zesty twist) is also helpful.
How To Make This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Creating this delicious Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for a foolproof dinner your family will rave about.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ยฝ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Make the bruschetta topping: In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, minced garlic, shredded basil, a splash of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and let it sit to meld the flavors.
- Create the sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, lower the heat to medium. Add a bit of olive oil and sautรฉ minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in the reserved pasta water, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. This creates a light, garlicky sauce.
- Toss everything together: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the sauce. Fold in the bruschetta topping, stirring gently to combine. Finally, add the sliced chicken on top.
- Garnish and serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan, extra basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added flair.
From start to finish, this recipe takes about 25-30 minutesโperfect for when you want something impressive but donโt have hours to spare.
Storage Options
This pasta dish stores well, making it great for meal prep or leftovers. Hereโs how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: While the bruschetta topping is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the chicken and pasta separately for up to 2 months. Reheat the pasta with a bit of water or broth to restore its texture.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of olive oil or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the chicken.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add sautรฉed mushrooms or roasted zucchini for a meat-free version.
- Add heat: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use different proteins: Swap chicken for shrimp, turkey, or even grilled tofu for a unique twist.
- Experiment with pasta: Try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs.
- Go cheesy: Mix in shredded mozzarella or burrata for an extra creamy element.
Feel free to get creative with this dishโitโs forgiving and adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand.
This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is a dish that strikes the perfect balance between hearty and fresh. Whether itโs for a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering, itโs bound to impress. So, grab your skillet and get ready to enjoy a meal that tastes like summer in every bite!
PrintDelicious Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe
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This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and perfectly cooked pasta for a delightful and flavorful dish. It's a quick and satisfying meal that's ideal for weeknights or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups cooked pasta (penne or spaghetti recommended)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ยผ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ยผ cup balsamic glaze
- ยผ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and slice.
- In the same skillet, sautรฉ garlic until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until softened.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the garlic and tomatoes.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over the mixture, then top with sliced chicken.
- Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use whole-grain pasta or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 380mg
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