Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe
Meet your new weeknight hero: Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is everything you love about the iconic Italian appetizer, tossed with juicy seared chicken and pasta in a dish that feels like pure summertime in a bowl. Sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a tangy drizzle of balsamic come together in a meal that’s as vibrant as it is delicious. It’s lightning-fast, full of satisfying protein, and delivers all the garden-fresh flavor you crave in every hearty forkful. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that tastes as incredible as it looks, this is the recipe that never lets me down.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s nothing complicated here—just a collection of staples that transform into pure magic when combined. Each ingredient brings its own star quality, from the juiciness of ripe tomatoes to the bold richness of Parmesan. Here’s what you need for the perfect Bruschetta Chicken Pasta.
- Pasta: Penne or spaghetti both work beautifully; pick your favorite shape to cradle the sauce.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for quick cooking and maximum tenderness.
- Olive oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin for sautéing and finishing the dish with a silken gloss.
- Italian seasoning: This dried herb blend brings a fragrant, classic depth to every bite of chicken.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to heighten every fresh and savory element.
- Cherry tomatoes: The juicier and riper, the better—they burst into a natural sauce in the pan.
- Garlic: Fresh and finely minced to infuse the oil with irresistible aroma.
- Balsamic vinegar: Just a splash makes the tomatoes sing and deepens the flavors.
- Fresh basil: Chopped at the last moment for garden-bright color and lift.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated for salty, nutty richness that binds the pasta together.
- Mozzarella (optional): Shredded and melty for that extra comfort factor—totally up to you!
- Extra olive oil: Drizzle for a golden finish just before serving.
How to Make Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—salty like the sea, as the saying goes! Drop in your pasta and cook until just al dente, following the package instructions for perfect texture. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining, as this starchy liquid will help bring the whole sauce together later. Set aside the drained pasta and get ready for the real flavor show.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
While your pasta cooks, pat the chicken breasts dry for a golden sear, then sprinkle them on both sides with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high and add the seasoned chicken. Sear for 5 to 7 minutes per side until deeply golden and just cooked through; the aroma will be irresistible! Rest the chicken on a plate for a few minutes to lock in the juices, then slice it into strips.
Step 3: Make the Tomato Mixture
In the same skillet—don’t even think about washing away those flavorful browned bits—add a splash more olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often until the tomatoes start to soften. Pour in the balsamic vinegar and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the savory goodness stuck to the pan. This layer is where the true bruschetta magic begins!
Step 4: Toss Pasta and Build the Sauce
Add your cooked pasta straight into the skillet with the tomato and garlic mixture. Gently toss everything together, drizzling in some of the reserved pasta water as needed to bring the flavors together into a light, silky “sauce.” Now, stir in the chopped fresh basil and grate plenty of Parmesan cheese over the top, tossing again to coat each noodle with cheesy, herby brightness.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Nestle the sliced chicken over the dressed pasta, letting its savory juices naturally flavor the whole dish. If cheesy comfort is your thing, sprinkle on the shredded mozzarella and let the heat melt it gently. Give the whole pan a final drizzle of olive oil before serving to turn up that Italian glow. Serve it up piping hot and enjoy this Bruschetta Chicken Pasta at its absolute peak!
How to Serve Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
A scattering of fresh basil leaves and an extra snow of grated Parmesan make this dish pop with color and flavor. I also like to finish with a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil and a twist of cracked black pepper—simple touches that make this Bruschetta Chicken Pasta sing.
Side Dishes
To complete your meal, pair your pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some crusty toasted bread for dipping into all that luscious sauce. Roasted asparagus or garlicky green beans are excellent veggie options that keep things light and bright.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, mound the Bruschetta Chicken Pasta in a big, shallow platter and top it with extra bursts of cherry tomatoes and basil. Or, serve in individual bowls with mini mozzarella balls and a balsamic drizzle for a festive, appetizer-style vibe that’s ready for any dinner party or family get-together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), scoop them into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually meld together, making this pasta even tastier the next day—perfect for a grab-and-go lunch or an effortless repeat dinner.
Freezing
While Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it in a pinch. Let the pasta cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to one month. For best results, freeze without the basil and add fresh when reheating to restore that vibrant flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, stirring frequently. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until hot throughout. Top with fresh basil and a sprinkle of cheese just before serving to brighten the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic timesaver—just shred it, season lightly with Italian herbs, and add to the tomato mixture before tossing with the pasta. This shortcut makes Bruschetta Chicken Pasta even quicker on busy nights.
What kind of pasta works best for Bruschetta Chicken Pasta?
You can truly use any shape you love, but penne and spaghetti are classics for good reason—they soak up all the tomato juices and cling to the cheese perfectly. Gluten-free pasta swaps in seamlessly for those with dietary needs.
How spicy is the dish?
By default, Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is mild and super family-friendly. If you want a touch of heat, add a generous pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and tomatoes—that little bit of kick is absolutely delicious!
Can I serve this recipe cold?
Yes! This dish transforms beautifully into a cold pasta salad. Just skip the mozzarella, chill the pasta in the fridge, and drizzle with extra olive oil and basil right before serving for an easy make-ahead summer lunch.
How do I make it dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, simply omit the Parmesan and mozzarella or use your favorite plant-based cheese alternatives. The fresh basil and balsamic still carry loads of flavor, so Bruschetta Chicken Pasta shines just as brightly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with freshness, color, and flavor, you have to give Bruschetta Chicken Pasta a try. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to share with everyone—and I have no doubt it’ll earn a spot in your regular rotation. Give it a whirl and let your kitchen fill with the aromas of an Italian summer!
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Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and flavorful dish, Bruschetta Chicken Pasta combines tender pasta with seared chicken, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and a balsamic vinegar glaze. Topped with fresh basil and Parmesan, this Italian-American inspired recipe is a perfect balance of savory and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or spaghetti)
Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Tomato Mixture:
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional)
- Extra olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta in salted water, drain, and set aside.
- Sear the chicken: Season and cook chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through.
- Prepare the tomato mixture: Sauté garlic and cherry tomatoes, add balsamic vinegar, then toss with cooked pasta.
- Combine ingredients: Mix in basil and Parmesan, top with chicken and mozzarella.
- Serve: Drizzle with olive oil and enjoy!
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- This dish is also great served cold as a pasta salad.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
