Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe

Irresistible Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe for Dinner Magic

Crispy bruschetta chicken pasta brings a vibrant Italian twist to your weeknight dinner routine.

Mediterranean flavors dance across your plate with each delectable bite.

Fresh tomatoes and herbs create a zesty backdrop for tender chicken pieces.

Garlic and basil weave their magic through perfectly cooked pasta strands.

The combination feels like a sun-drenched Italian countryside on your fork.

Chopping ingredients becomes a delightful prelude to an incredible meal.

You’ll want seconds before finishing your first serving, guaranteed.

Bruschetta Chicken Pasta with Fresh, Bright Flavor

  • This recipe transforms a complicated dish into an easy 30-minute dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Bruschetta topping brings vibrant, zesty tastes with ripe cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and tangy balsamic vinegar that elevate the entire meal.
  • Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu, adjust spice levels, or add extra vegetables to make this versatile recipe match your personal preferences and dietary needs.
  • Using just one skillet reduces dishes, making this meal not only delicious but also incredibly convenient for home cooks seeking hassle-free cooking experiences.

All the Ingredients You’ll Need for Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

Pasta and Proteins:
  • Pasta: Soft and chewy base for the dish, choose penne or fusilli for best texture.
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that adds substance, select boneless and skinless for easy cooking.
Herbs and Aromatics:
  • Basil, Garlic: Fresh herbs and aromatic components that provide vibrant flavor and classic Mediterranean profile.
Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Rich and smooth cooking fat that enhances overall taste, choose extra-virgin for best quality.
  • Balsamic Vinegar: Tangy liquid that adds depth and brightness to the bruschetta mixture.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of all ingredients.
Tomato Component:
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy base for bruschetta, select ripe and firm tomatoes for best results.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that provides a luxurious finishing touch, grate fresh for maximum flavor.

How to Prepare Bruschetta Chicken Pasta in Just a Few Steps

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring to a rolling boil. Drop pasta into the water and cook following package directions until tender but firm. Drain pasta and set aside. Keep a small cup of pasta water for later.

Step 2: Create Bruschetta Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine:
  • Fresh cherry tomatoes, diced
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Garlic, finely minced
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Gently mix ingredients and let sit to develop flavors.

Step 3: Sear Chicken

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from pan and let rest briefly. Slice chicken into strips or cubes.

Step 4: Assemble Dish

Return skillet to stove. Add cooked pasta and drizzle with olive oil. Fold in bruschetta mixture until well combined. Return sliced chicken to skillet and toss gently. If pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Transfer pasta to serving plates. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and additional fresh basil. Optional: Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for extra richness.

Tips to Keep Pasta Saucy and Chicken Juicy

  • Maximize Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a perfect firm bite, preventing mushy results that can ruin the dish's overall texture.
  • Boost Bruschetta Flavor: Let bruschetta mixture sit for 10-15 minutes before adding to pasta, allowing tomatoes to release natural juices and herbs to infuse deeply into the ingredients.
  • Perfect Chicken Searing: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of proper caramelization in the skillet.
  • Balance Moisture Levels: Reserve some pasta water to help create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta, preventing dryness and enhancing overall dish cohesion.
  • Quick Herb Freshness: Tear fresh basil leaves instead of chopping to prevent bruising and preserve their vibrant flavor and aromatic qualities.

Keep Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Tasting Fresh After Storage

  • Store leftover pasta in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover completely to prevent moisture loss and protect from absorbing other food odors.
  • Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently to distribute heat evenly and maintain the dish's texture.
  • Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water on top, and cover loosely. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure uniform warming.
  • Consume refrigerated pasta within 2 days for the best taste and texture. Avoid freezing, as the tomatoes and chicken can become watery and lose their original quality when thawed.

Side Dishes That Go with Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

  • Pair this vibrant bruschetta chicken pasta with a crisp, light Pinot Grigio that complements the fresh tomato and basil notes, cutting through the richness of the chicken and cheese.
  • Serve a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette alongside the dish, providing a peppery and bright counterpoint to the pasta's hearty Mediterranean flavors.
  • Choose a chilled rosé from Provence, which offers a delicate fruitiness that matches the dish's summery tomato and herb characteristics, enhancing the overall dining experience.
  • Add garlic bread with a herbed butter to provide a crunchy texture and additional garlicky depth that echoes the bruschetta's aromatic elements, creating a cohesive meal presentation.

New Variations for Bruschetta Chicken Pastas

Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb alternative that maintains the delicious bruschetta chicken flavors.

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or quinoa instead of regular pasta to accommodate gluten sensitivities while keeping the recipe’s core ingredients intact.

Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or firm tofu, maintaining the bruschetta topping and creating a protein-rich meatless meal that’s equally satisfying.

Mediterranean-Style Adaptation: Enhance the dish by adding crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of dried oregano to give the recipe an authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe

Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savor Mediterranean magic with bruschetta chicken pasta, a delightful fusion of Italian-inspired flavors dancing on your plate. Fresh herbs, juicy tomatoes, and perfectly grilled chicken create an irresistible culinary journey you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta
  • 4 medium ripe tomatoes, diced

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Oils and Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Balsamic glaze, for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, immersing the pasta until it reaches a perfectly tender al dente texture. Drain thoroughly, preserving a small quantity of starchy liquid for potential later use.
  2. Craft the vibrant bruschetta blend by wedding diced cherry tomatoes with freshly chopped basil, aromatic garlic, tangy balsamic vinegar, fruity olive oil, salt, and cracked pepper. Gently fold the ingredients, allowing the flavors to harmonize while chicken preparations commence.
  3. Elegantly season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, introducing the seasoned poultry and searing until a golden exterior develops and internal temperature reaches full doneness. Transfer chicken to a resting surface, then slice into appealing strips or cubes.
  4. Return the cooked pasta to the same skillet, introducing additional olive oil if the mixture appears dry. Tenderly fold in the bruschetta medley, ensuring comprehensive integration. Reintroduce the sliced chicken, gently tossing to create a cohesive ensemble. If the composition seems overly dense, incrementally introduce reserved pasta water to achieve ideal consistency.
  5. Artfully plate the dish, cascading grated Parmesan cheese and delicate basil leaves across the surface. For an indulgent finale, drizzle a whisper of extra-virgin olive oil to elevate the sensory experience.

Notes

  • Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s protein content and flavor profile.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe completely gluten-free without compromising taste or texture.
  • Allow bruschetta mixture to sit for 15-20 minutes before mixing to intensify the fresh tomato and herb flavors, creating a more vibrant taste experience.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 70 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star