Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe

The Zesty Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe That Dazzles Every Time

Crispy bruschetta chicken pasta brings a delightful Mediterranean twist to your dinner table.

Summers in Italy inspire this colorful dish packed with fresh ingredients.

Juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil dance alongside tender chicken pieces.

Herbs and garlic create an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

Mediterranean flavors blend seamlessly in this quick and easy meal.

Simple ingredients come together in less than thirty minutes.

You’ll love how effortlessly this recipe turns an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Dive into a plate that promises pure deliciousness with every single bite.

Ways to Add Variety to Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

  • Mediterranean Marvel: Replace mozzarella with crumbled feta cheese and add kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Include diced jalapeños, swap basil for cilantro, and sprinkle with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
  • Vegetarian Veggie Boost: Substitute chicken with grilled zucchini and eggplant, using roasted red peppers for extra flavor depth.
  • Creamy Herb Fusion: Incorporate a light cream sauce with fresh thyme and rosemary, topped with parmesan cheese for a rich alternative.

Best Pairings for Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Nights

  • Elevate Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Pairing
  • Pair Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the bright tomato and herb flavors, cutting through the richness of chicken and cheese with refreshing acidity.
  • Create Crunchy Side Salad: Arugula and parmesan salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a peppery contrast and light freshness that balances the pasta's hearty profile.
  • Match Mediterranean Appetizer: Serve with bruschetta or garlic crostini to echo the dish's Italian-inspired ingredients, enhancing the overall culinary experience with complementary textures and flavors.

How to Store Leftover Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the pasta and chicken remain fresh and safe to eat.
  • Transfer the pasta to a freezer-safe container. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
  • Place portion in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
  • Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a little olive oil or water to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent sticking and distribute heat evenly.

FAQs About Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe

  • How does bruschetta flavor influence the chicken pasta?

The classic bruschetta ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and basil create a fresh, light taste profile that transforms traditional pasta into a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish.

  • Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

While penne works perfectly, you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or bowtie pasta that hold sauce well and provide similar texture.

  • Is this recipe considered healthy?

This dish offers a balanced meal with lean protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from pasta, and nutrients from fresh tomatoes and herbs, making it a nutritious option for a quick dinner.

What Makes Bruschetta Chicken Pasta So Fresh and Tasty

  • Savor Quick Culinary Delight: This recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal with minimal cooking skills required, making it perfect for home cooks at any experience level.
  • Craft One-Pan Wonder: Streamline your cooking process by using the same pan for chicken, tomatoes, and sauce, reducing cleanup time and kitchen mess while maximizing flavor infusion.
  • Customize Mediterranean Magic: Blend Italian-inspired ingredients like fresh basil, balsamic vinegar, and mozzarella to create a versatile dish that adapts to personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Elevate Weeknight Dining: Turn a simple dinner into a restaurant-quality experience with bold, fresh flavors that feel gourmet but come together faster than ordering takeout.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

Main Proteins:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the hearty base of the dish.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy cheese that adds a rich and melty texture to the pasta.
Pasta and Grains:
  • Penne Pasta: Classic pasta shape that captures the sauce and provides a satisfying base for the dish.
Fresh Produce and Seasonings:
  • Cherry Tomatoes, Garlic: Sweet tomatoes and aromatic garlic create a vibrant and flavorful sauce.
  • Fresh Basil: Herb that adds a bright, fresh note to the final dish.
Cooking Liquids and Seasonings:
  • Olive Oil: Helps cook the chicken and provides a smooth cooking base.
  • Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet depth to the sauce.
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the chicken and sauce.

How to Make Bruschetta Chicken Pasta at Home

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and give them a good seasoning with salt and pepper. Heat up olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and completely cooked through. Once done, take the chicken out and let it rest on a cutting board.

Step 2: Create Tomato Base

In the same skillet, toss in:
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Minced garlic

Cook these together until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices. The kitchen will fill with an amazing aroma.

Step 3: Enhance Tomato Sauce

Pour in balsamic vinegar and let the mixture simmer. The vinegar will help create a rich, tangy sauce that coats everything beautifully. Allow it to bubble gently for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Cook Pasta

Boil penne pasta in a pot of salted water according to the package directions. Drain the pasta when it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Slice the rested chicken into beautiful strips. Add these chicken pieces back into the skillet with the tomato sauce. Stir everything together to blend the flavors.

Step 6: Final Touch

Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves throughout the dish. Top everything with generous amounts of mozzarella cheese, which will start to melt and create creamy pockets of deliciousness.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the pasta to serving plates. The dish is best enjoyed hot, straight from the skillet. The combination of juicy chicken, tangy tomatoes, and melted cheese will make your taste buds dance.

Tips for the Perfect Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Meal

  • Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas to create a vegetarian version that keeps the delicious bruschetta flavors intact.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and enhances flavor.
  • Use fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes for the most vibrant and sweet taste in the sauce.
  • Reserve some pasta water to help create a silky, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
  • Choose high-quality balsamic vinegar for a richer, more complex taste that elevates the entire dish.
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Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe

Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe


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4.8 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savor Mediterranean magic with bruschetta chicken pasta, a delightful fusion of Italian-inspired flavors dancing on your plate. Fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, and tender chicken create a simple yet irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Produce:

  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Liberally coat chicken pieces with seasoning, then sear in sizzling olive oil at medium-high heat until golden and completely cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes per side.
  2. Without cleaning the pan, introduce halved cherry tomatoes and minced garlic, allowing them to caramelize and release their aromatic essence for 3-4 minutes.
  3. Deglaze the skillet with balsamic vinegar, creating a rich reduction that intensifies the tomatoes’ natural sweetness, simmering gently for 5 minutes.
  4. Simultaneously, prepare penne pasta in rapidly boiling, salted water until perfectly al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
  5. Slice the cooked chicken into elegant diagonal strips, returning them to the fragrant tomato mixture.
  6. Incorporate the pasta into the skillet, gently folding to ensure each strand is lavishly coated with the vibrant sauce.
  7. Finish the dish by scattering freshly torn basil leaves and sprinkling mozzarella cheese, allowing residual heat to slightly melt the cheese.
  8. Transfer to serving plates immediately, ensuring every portion captures the harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Notes

  • Customize chicken seasoning by adding Italian herbs like oregano or thyme for extra depth of flavor.
  • Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas to create a vegetarian-friendly version that maintains the dish’s delicious profile.
  • Choose whole wheat pasta to boost nutritional value and add more fiber to the meal.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 454 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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