Bruschetta Chicken Pasta – A Fresh & Flavorful Dinner
If you love fresh, vibrant flavors and comforting pasta dishes, this Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is the perfect meal! It combines juicy, seasoned chicken, ripe tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, and al dente pasta, all tossed together for a light yet satisfying dish. Whether you’re looking for bruschetta dinner ideas, chicken pasta recipes with veggies, or a healthy and delicious pasta meal, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite!
What is Bruschetta Chicken Pasta?
This dish takes classic Italian bruschetta—made with tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil—and transforms it into a hearty pasta meal with tender, flavorful chicken. The combination of warm pasta, fresh veggies, and zesty seasonings makes it a perfect balance of light and comforting. Whether you’re craving pasta with chicken and tomatoes, a skillet chicken pasta dish, or a fresh summer meal, this recipe delivers big flavors with simple ingredients!
Ingredients for Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
To make this delicious and fresh pasta dish, you’ll need:
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: 2 large, sliced thinly
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (for cooking)
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt & Black Pepper: To taste
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Balsamic Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (adds depth of flavor)
For the Bruschetta Topping:
- Cherry Tomatoes: 2 cups, halved
- Fresh Basil: ¼ cup, chopped
- Garlic Cloves: 2, minced
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Balsamic Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- Salt & Black Pepper: To taste
For the Pasta:
- Penne or Linguine Pasta: 12 ounces (or pasta of choice)
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated (for garnish)
- Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional, for heat)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
For this easy chicken pasta recipe, gather these tools:
- Large Skillet or Cast Iron Pan – for cooking the chicken
- Medium Pot – for boiling the pasta
- Cutting Board & Sharp Knife – for slicing chicken and chopping veggies
- Mixing Bowls – for preparing the bruschetta topping
- Tongs or Spatula – for flipping chicken and tossing pasta
- Grater – for fresh Parmesan cheese
How to Make Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to make a delicious and fresh pasta dish:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Add penne or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Bruschetta Topping
- Combine the Ingredients: In a bowl, mix cherry tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Stir and let marinate while cooking the chicken.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken slices.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Deglaze with Balsamic Vinegar: Pour in 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar and let it cook for 1 minute to add flavor. Remove chicken from the pan and let it rest.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
- Combine Pasta & Bruschetta Mix: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with any remaining pan juices. Toss with the bruschetta topping.
- Slice the Chicken: Cut the rested chicken into strips and add it back to the pan.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (optional), and extra basil. Serve immediately!
Tips for the Best Chicken and Pasta Dish
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil, tomatoes, and garlic make all the difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep it al dente so it holds up well with the sauce.
- Marinate the Tomatoes: Let the bruschetta mix sit for at least 10 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Rest the Chicken Before Slicing: This keeps it juicy and flavorful.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Balsamic Vinegar: It adds richness and balances the dish.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Dry chicken ruins the texture—cook just until 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Forgetting to Save Pasta Water: Add ¼ cup reserved pasta water if the dish needs extra moisture.
Serving and Garnish Ideas
This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta pairs well with:
- Garlic Bread or Focaccia – Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce
- Side Salad – A light Caesar or mixed greens salad complements the flavors
- Grilled Vegetables – Zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus make a great side
- Extra Parmesan Cheese – Because you can never have too much!
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as tomatoes can become mushy when thawed.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil or water to prevent drying out.
Variations and Ingredient Swaps
- Crockpot Bruschetta Chicken Pasta: Cook seasoned chicken in a slow cooker with tomatoes and balsamic, then shred and toss with pasta.
- Creamy Version: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream for a richer sauce.
- Spicy Diablo Pasta: Add extra red pepper flakes and a splash of hot sauce.
- Grilled Chicken Option: Grill the chicken instead of pan-searing for a smoky flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles.
FAQ About Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
- Can I use canned tomatoes? Fresh is best, but you can use drained diced tomatoes if needed.
- Can I prep this ahead of time? Yes! Store the bruschetta mix separately and toss it in before serving.
- What pasta works best? Penne, linguine, spaghetti, or fusilli all work well.
- Can I use store-bought bruschetta? Yes, but homemade gives a fresher taste.
Conclusion
This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is a light, fresh, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a pasta dish packed with veggies, or a summer-inspired meal, this recipe has everything you need for a delicious and satisfying dish.
Try this best chicken and pasta recipe today and enjoy the bold flavors of bruschetta with tender, juicy chicken and perfectly cooked pasta! Don’t forget to share this recipe and subscribe for more delicious dinner ideas! 😊
PrintBruschetta Chicken Pasta – A Fresh & Flavorful Dinner
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is light, fresh, and packed with flavor! Juicy chicken, ripe tomatoes, garlic, and basil are tossed with al dente pasta and a touch of balsamic vinegar for the perfect balance of flavors. A quick and easy meal that’s perfect for any night of the week!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
✅ 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thinly
✅ 2 tablespoons olive oil
✅ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
✅ 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
✅ Salt & black pepper, to taste
✅ 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
For the Bruschetta Topping:
✅ 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
✅ ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
✅ 2 garlic cloves, minced
✅ 2 tablespoons olive oil
✅ 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
✅ Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
✅ 12 ounces penne or linguine pasta
✅ ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
✅ ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
1️⃣ Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2️⃣ Cook the Pasta: Add penne or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3️⃣ Combine the Ingredients: In a bowl, mix cherry tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Stir and let marinate while cooking the chicken.
4️⃣ Season the Chicken: Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken slices.
5️⃣ Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
6️⃣ Deglaze with Balsamic Vinegar: Pour in 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar and let it cook for 1 minute to add flavor. Remove chicken from the pan and let it rest.
7️⃣ Combine Pasta & Bruschetta Mix: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with any remaining pan juices. Toss with the bruschetta topping.
8️⃣ Slice the Chicken: Cut the rested chicken into strips and add it back to the pan.
9️⃣ Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (optional), and extra basil. Serve immediately!
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil, tomatoes, and garlic make all the difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep it al dente so it holds up well with the sauce.
- Marinate the Tomatoes: Let the bruschetta mix sit for at least 10 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Rest the Chicken Before Slicing: This keeps it juicy and flavorful.
- For Extra Moisture: Add ¼ cup reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.