How to Cook Perfect Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Discover how to make the easiest and most flavorful bruschetta chicken pasta in just one pan! Packed with fresh tomatoes, basil, and juicy chicken, this pasta dinner is a weeknight favorite that balances bright, fresh flavors with hearty comfort.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
• 1 pound penne pasta
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, red onion, garlic, and basil. Add balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, then toss to combine.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the cooked pasta with the tomato mixture. Heat through gently, stirring to mix flavors.
4. Step 4: Add the grilled, sliced chicken to the skillet and toss to combine evenly.
5. Step 5: Serve the pasta in bowls and top each serving with grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips & Variations

• Use Roma tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes for a less watery bruschetta topping.
• Tear fresh basil leaves instead of cutting them to preserve color and aroma.
• Try angel hair or thin spaghetti pasta for a lighter texture that soaks up the sauce nicely.
• For extra flavor, season the chicken with Italian seasoning and garlic powder before grilling.
• Serve cold as a refreshing pasta salad by slightly overcooking the pasta and chilling before tossing with the bruschetta and chicken.

Storage

Store leftover pasta, chicken, and bruschetta mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This prevents the tomatoes from making the pasta soggy. When reheating, add a splash of olive oil to keep the pasta from sticking. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Avoid freezing as fresh tomatoes become watery and mushy after thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What makes bruschetta chicken pasta unique?

Bruschetta chicken pasta combines the fresh, bright flavors of a classic Italian appetizer with a hearty pasta and tender chicken. The blend of ripe tomatoes, aromatic basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar creates a vibrant, satisfying dish.

How do I choose the best tomatoes for this dish?

Roma tomatoes are ideal because they have less liquid, helping the bruschetta topping stay chunky rather than watery. Choose ripe but firm tomatoes. Cherry or grape tomatoes can be used as alternatives if Roma tomatoes are unavailable.

How to Cook Perfect Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 129 reviews

Discover how to make the easiest and most flavorful bruschetta chicken pasta in just one pan! Packed with fresh tomatoes, basil, and juicy grilled chicken, this pasta dinner is a weeknight favorite blending authentic Italian flavors with tender pasta and a bright, aromatic bruschetta topping.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, grilled and sliced

Pasta

• 1 pound penne pasta

Bruschetta Topping

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Finishing

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare Bruschetta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, and chopped fresh basil. Add balsamic vinegar and olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Toss everything gently to combine and let it sit at room temperature to marinate while prepping other components.
3. Combine Pasta and Bruschetta: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the bruschetta mixture, warming through gently while stirring to combine, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Add Chicken: Add the grilled, sliced chicken to the skillet with the pasta and bruschetta mixture. Toss everything together carefully to ensure the flavors mingle evenly.
5. Serve with Parmesan: Spoon the bruschetta chicken pasta into bowls and top each serving generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Use Roma tomatoes for authentic bruschetta topping to avoid excess moisture; cherry tomatoes also work well.
• Dice tomatoes small and remove seeds to prevent watery topping.
• Tear basil leaves instead of cutting to maintain vibrant color and oils.
• Cook pasta al dente to maintain texture when combined.
• Rest grilled chicken before slicing to keep juices locked in.
• Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
• Bruschetta topping should marinate at least 15 minutes before combining.
• Store pasta, chicken, and bruschetta separately in airtight containers refrigerated up to 3 days for best freshness.
• Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or extra Parmesan for garnish and flavor boost.
• This dish can be served warm or cold, ideal for picnics or next-day meals.

Keywords: bruschetta chicken pasta, Italian pasta dish, grilled chicken pasta, fresh tomato pasta, basil pasta recipe, easy weeknight dinner