If you’re someone who loves the fresh, vibrant flavors of summer all year round, this Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe is an absolute game changer. I first stumbled upon this combination when craving something light yet satisfying, and it quickly became a staple in my kitchen. The sweet burst of cherry tomatoes mixed with the aromatic basil and juicy chicken makes every bite incredibly delightful.
This dish is perfect for both a casual weeknight dinner and impressing friends at a weekend dinner party. You’ll find that it’s surprisingly easy to throw together but feels fancy enough to serve up when you want to treat yourself. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get a good dose of veggies, protein, and carbs all in a single bowl!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Flavorful: The cherry tomatoes and basil bring a bright, garden-fresh taste to every bite.
- Simple Yet Impressive: It’s straightforward to make but looks and tastes like something from a fancy restaurant.
- Perfectly Balanced: Combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and zesty bruschetta for a well-rounded meal.
- Versatile and Easy to Customize: You can tweak the herbs, cheese, or pasta type to suit your preferences easily.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients here are all about freshness and simple pantry staples that play nicely together. When shopping, look for the ripest cherry tomatoes and fragrant basil for the best flavor—the quality really makes a difference in this Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for that juicy burst of sweetness.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Fresh is best here; the fragrance elevates the dish.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use good-quality olive oil for a fruity, robust flavor.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a lovely tang; balsamic glaze is optional but recommended for drizzling.
- Italian Seasoning: A mix of dried herbs that bring classic Italian notes.
- Minced Garlic: Freshly minced gives the best aroma and flavor punch.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- Fresh Cracked Black Pepper: Adds just the right spice and depth.
- Angel Hair Pasta: Cooks quickly and pairs perfectly with the light sauce.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean, they soak up the flavors well.
- Parmesan Cheese (optional): Gives a salty, nutty finish that I always adore.
Variations
I love making this Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe my own by swapping in different veggies or pasta shapes depending on the season or what I have on hand. Experimenting with add-ins keeps it exciting, and you really can’t go wrong.
- Add Fresh Mozzarella: When I tried adding cubes of fresh mozzarella, it gave a creamy contrast that my family went crazy for.
- Use Penne or Fusilli: These pasta shapes hold the sauce better if you want a heartier bite.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Try a gluten-free pasta for dietary needs; the flavors still shine through beautifully.
- Spice it Up: Toss in red pepper flakes if you like a little heat—I learned this kick really wakes up the dish.
How to Make Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Bruschetta
Start by combining the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir it all well and cover it with plastic wrap before popping it into the fridge. This step lets those flavors meld beautifully while you move on to cooking the pasta and chicken, so don’t skip it!
Step 2: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your angel hair pasta just until al dente—this usually takes less time than other pastas, so keep an eye on it. Once cooked, drain but don’t rinse; return the pasta to the pot and toss with a bit of olive oil to keep it from sticking. Setting the pasta aside at this point ensures it doesn’t overcook later.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
While your pasta cools slightly, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and that leftover Italian seasoning. Cook them 5-7 minutes per side until the juices run clear or they hit an internal temp of 165°F—this keeps the chicken juicy and tender, which is key. Once done, let the chicken rest on a plate; resting helps retain those tasty juices.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Lower your skillet to medium heat and add the bruschetta mixture you prepped. Cook it for 1½ to 2 minutes until the garlic releases its amazing aroma. Then toss in the cooked pasta, combining everything gently. Remove from heat, slice the chicken, and arrange it on top of the pasta and bruschetta. Finish it off by sprinkling some fresh basil and parmesan over everything, and drizzle with balsamic glaze if you’re feeling fancy.
Pro Tips for Making Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Chicken: I learned that letting chicken come to room temperature before cooking helps it cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cooking the angel hair pasta al dente prevents mushiness once tossed with the warm bruschetta mixture.
- Prep Bruschetta Early: Make the bruschetta first to let the tomatoes marinate while you cook the chicken and pasta—it’s a game changer for flavor.
- Gentle Tossing: Toss the pasta gently with the bruschetta to avoid crushing the delicate tomatoes and basil.
How to Serve Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling freshly shredded parmesan cheese and extra chopped basil over the top—it adds a perfect salty, fresh pop that makes the dish feel complete. If you have balsamic glaze on hand, a drizzle adds a sweet tangy finish that your taste buds will thank you for.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple mixed green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread to soak up any leftover juices. I’ve also served it alongside roasted asparagus or steamed green beans when I’m craving a bit more veggies on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve plated this pasta in individual shallow bowls and topped each with sliced chicken arranged like a fan. Adding a sprig of fresh basil and a little extra drizzle of balsamic glaze brings the wow factor. It’s simple but always feels like a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover Bruschetta Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, but be aware that the tomatoes might release more juice overnight—just give it a quick stir and it tastes fresh as ever.
Freezing
While I don’t recommend freezing the assembled dish because the tomatoes get watery, you can freeze cooked chicken breasts separately. Then just thaw and reheat the pasta and bruschetta mixture fresh to keep all those bright flavors intact.
Reheating
To reheat, I like warming the pasta and bruschetta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil if it looks dry. Then I add sliced leftover chicken on top just to warm through so it doesn’t dry out—this method keeps the texture and flavor vibrant.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of pasta in this Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While angel hair pasta cooks quickly and works beautifully with the light sauce, feel free to swap in penne, fusilli, or spaghetti based on your preference or what you have in the pantry. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
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What if I don’t have fresh basil? Can I use dried?
Fresh basil really shines in this recipe, but if you don’t have any on hand, a pinch of dried basil can work in a pinch—just add it to the bruschetta mix while it marinates. The flavor won’t be quite as bright, but it’s still delicious.
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Is it okay to use skin-on chicken breasts?
Skinless chicken breasts work best here for a lean, tender result that blends well with the pasta. If you use skin-on, you might want to remove the skin before slicing, or crisp it separately for another dish—otherwise the skin can add a different texture.
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Can I prepare the bruschetta mixture ahead of time?
Yes! Preparing the bruschetta several hours or even the day before really helps deepen the flavors. Just keep it covered and refrigerated, and stir it again before using.
Final Thoughts
This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes when I want something that feels homemade but special. It’s fresh, flavorful, and comes together with minimal fuss—perfect for busy evenings or casual dinners with friends. I promise once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat too. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the simple joy of cooking something delicious!
PrintBruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 1 cup per serving)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and easy-to-make Italian-inspired dish featuring al dente angel hair pasta tossed with fresh bruschetta made from cherry tomatoes, basil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil, paired with perfectly seared chicken breasts. This dish is topped with freshly shredded parmesan and an optional drizzle of balsamic glaze, making it a vibrant, fresh, and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Bruschetta Mixture
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
Pasta
- 8 ounces angel hair pasta
- 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 1/2 lbs total)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
Toppings (Optional)
- 1-2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 1/4 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Bruschetta: In a bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, ¼ cup chopped fresh basil, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Stir well to mix all ingredients. Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate while you prepare the pasta and chicken to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Toss with 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a 10-12 inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with the remaining ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Place the chicken in the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to rest on a plate or baking dish.
- Sauté Bruschetta: Lower the heat to medium. Remove the bruschetta mixture from the refrigerator and add it to the same skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, for 1 ½ to 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and the mixture warms slightly.
- Toss Pasta with Bruschetta: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the bruschetta. Toss thoroughly to combine and then remove from heat.
- Slice Chicken and Assemble: Carefully slice the rested chicken breasts. Place the sliced chicken on top of the pasta and bruschetta mixture in the skillet or serving dish.
- Add Final Touches: Sprinkle freshly shredded parmesan cheese and the remaining 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil over the chicken and pasta. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired for extra sweetness and acidity.
- Serve: Serve the Bruschetta Chicken Pasta immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For juicier chicken, let it rest covered for 5 minutes after cooking before slicing.
- Use fresh basil for the best bright flavor in the bruschetta and garnish.
- Balsamic glaze is optional but adds a nice sweet tangy finish.
- Angel hair pasta cooks very quickly – watch closely to avoid overcooking.
- This dish can be prepared ahead by making the bruschetta and chicken separately and combining just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg