There’s something magical about the combination of juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a touch of garlic. When paired with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, you’ve got a dish that’s as elegant as it is comforting. This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat.

I first discovered this recipe when trying to recreate a dish from a favorite Italian restaurant. After a few tweaks, it became a family staple that even the pickiest eaters rave about. Trust me, you’re going to love how easy and satisfying it is to make!
Why You’ll Love This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Get ready to add this recipe to your “favorites” list. Not only is this Bruschetta Chicken Pasta a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also incredibly simple to prepare.
First off, it’s quick and easy, coming together in under 40 minutes. Whether you’re juggling a busy schedule or just craving something delicious, this recipe delivers without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Secondly, the flavors are amazing. The classic combination of fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil takes center stage, while the seared chicken adds a hearty, savory note that ties everything together.
It’s also a healthy-ish option. With fresh ingredients and the ability to use whole-grain or gluten-free pasta, this dish can be adapted to fit various dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor.
Lastly, it’s great for meal prep. The components reheat beautifully, making it ideal for packed lunches or leftover dinners.
Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Bruschetta Chicken Pasta lies in its fresh, simple ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the protein star here. Slice them into thin cutlets or pound them to ensure even cooking. If you prefer, chicken thighs work well, too, offering extra juiciness.
- Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes are key to authentic bruschetta flavor. Roma tomatoes or cherry tomatoes work best for their sweet, vibrant taste. Dice them finely for the topping.
- Basil: Fresh basil leaves bring a burst of herbal brightness to the dish. Chop them just before serving to preserve their fragrance.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the pasta and bruschetta topping with a warm, aromatic depth. Use fresh garlic for the best results.
- Pasta: Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well, like penne or linguine. Whole-wheat or gluten-free options work wonderfully if you want to make this dish a bit healthier.
- Balsamic glaze: This rich, tangy drizzle ties everything together with a sweet and sour kick. If you don’t have glaze, a quick reduction of balsamic vinegar does the trick.
You’ll also need olive oil, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for serving. A large skillet and a pot for boiling pasta are the only tools required.
How to Make This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

Making Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is easier than you think. Let’s break it down into simple, manageable steps:
- Prepare the pasta. Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook your pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain it, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water, and set it aside.
- Make the bruschetta topping. While the pasta cooks, combine diced tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir to mix and let the flavors meld as you prepare the chicken.
- Cook the chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and let them rest before slicing.
- Create the sauce. In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, then toss in the cooked pasta. Stir in a few spoonfuls of the bruschetta topping and a splash of reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Assemble the dish. Plate the pasta and top it with sliced chicken. Spoon the remaining bruschetta mixture over the chicken, and finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and grated Parmesan.
Serve immediately and watch it disappear!
Storage Options
Leftovers? No problem! This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta stores beautifully, so you can enjoy it the next day or later in the week.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the bruschetta topping separate if possible to prevent the tomatoes from softening too much.
- Freezer: While freezing isn’t ideal for the bruschetta topping, you can freeze the pasta and chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce, and top with fresh basil and balsamic glaze to revive the flavors.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly versatile! Here are a few ways to make it your own:
- Vegetarian option: Skip the chicken and add grilled eggplant, zucchini, or mushrooms for a plant-based twist.
- Low-carb version: Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Add some heat: Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes or diced chili for a spicy kick.
- Different proteins: Try shrimp or grilled salmon instead of chicken for a seafood variation.
- Cheesy upgrade: Add mozzarella or burrata for a creamy, decadent finish.
Experiment with your favorite ingredients, and don’t be afraid to get creative!
PrintDelicious Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender chicken, fresh tomatoes, basil, and pasta for a vibrant and flavorful dish. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner, this dish is a delightful combination of bruschetta's fresh flavors and pasta's comforting texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 serving 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, bowtie, or spaghetti)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Remove and slice.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in balsamic vinegar.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the tomato mixture and sliced chicken.
- Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in balsamic vinegar for 15 minutes before cooking.
- You can use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
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