If you’ve ever dreamed of turning the summery flavors of bruschetta into a hearty, weeknight pasta meal, Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is your delicious answer. This dish brings together juicy chicken, al dente penne, ripe cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a whisper of tangy balsamic that ties everything together beautifully. Finished with melty mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan, it’s the kind of pasta that feels like a celebration of color and flavor in every bite, all with the cozy familiarity of home-cooked Italian-inspired comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create such a vibrant and craveable dish. Each component plays a starring role, bringing bold flavors, creamy textures, or a pop of brightness to your Bruschetta Chicken Pasta.
- 12 oz penne pasta: The perfect toothsome base to soak up all the flavors and hold up to the chunky chicken and tomatoes.
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces): Tender, juicy chicken brings protein and heartiness to every forkful.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): You can’t beat the incredible aroma and depth that garlic gives the sautéed veggies and chicken.
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved): These burst with sweet acidity and create a gorgeous, fresh “sauce.”
- 1/2 cup fresh basil (chopped): Nothing says bruschetta like the sweet anise-y perfume of plenty of basil.
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar: Brings signature tang and a gentle bite to round out the dish.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional): Adds a concentrated pop of zingy sweetness for even more flavor depth.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into the pasta, giving an irresistibly creamy finish.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty-savory edge and slightly nutty flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for rounding out the flavors and bringing everything together.
How to Make Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in the penne and cook it according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente—just tender with a little bite. Drain well and set the pasta aside; this gives it time to cool slightly while you work on the rest of your Bruschetta Chicken Pasta.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, giving them space so they get a nice golden color instead of steaming. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper, then sauté for about 6 to 7 minutes until the pieces are browned and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it handy—don’t worry, it’ll join the party again soon.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes
Using the same skillet (you want all those flavor-packed browned bits!), lower the heat to medium and toss in the minced garlic. Cook for just one minute, giving it a quick swirl until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes, cut side down for maximum caramelization, and sauté for another 3 to 4 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices—think of all those sunny tomato flavors infusing your sauce.
Step 4: Bring Everything Together
Return the cooked chicken (and any delicious juices that have collected) to the skillet with the tomatoes and garlic. Add the pasta, then sprinkle in the fresh basil. Pour in the balsamic vinegar, and drizzle over the optional balsamic glaze if you’re feeling fancy for extra sweetness. Toss gently and let everything heat through for 2 to 3 minutes, so all the flavors meld in the pan.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese
Turn off the heat, then shower the pasta with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir until the cheeses melt and coat everything in a creamy, cheesy layer. Give it a final taste and season with more salt and pepper if you like, then serve your Bruschetta Chicken Pasta right away—get ready for smiles around your table!
How to Serve Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of extra fresh basil over each bowl not only adds lush color but also amplifies that classic bruschetta vibe. For a dash of elegance, try a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top as a finishing touch—it’s a simple flourish that creates a beautiful restaurant-style presentation and a little pop of sweet-tart flavor in every bite.
Side Dishes
Since Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is full of bold flavors, I love pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or a bundle of garlicky steamed green beans. If you want to double down on comfort, a loaf of warm, crusty bread for sopping up all that cheesy balsamic goodness is hard to resist!
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual family dinner, serve big bowls garnished with extra cheese and basil at the table. Or, for entertaining, plate Bruschetta Chicken Pasta in shallow bowls with a swirl of balsamic glaze and a parmesan crisp perched on top—so fancy and fun! You can even spoon it onto a platter and let guests help themselves, family-style, for a welcoming, Italian-inspired spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta holds up surprisingly well in the fridge! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store for up to 3 days. The flavors melt together even more as it sits, making it a satisfying lunch or quick reheat dinner the next day.
Freezing
While you can freeze Bruschetta Chicken Pasta, it’s best without the fresh basil and cheeses, which can change in texture. If you want to make a freezer batch, freeze the chicken, pasta, and tomato mixture, then reheat and stir in the cheese and basil right before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, covering lightly to retain moisture, until piping hot. Or, warm it gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen things up. Stir well to make sure the cheese melts evenly and everything is heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne is classic for this recipe, you can swap in fusilli, rotini, or even whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a twist. Just keep an eye on cook times and texture so you still get that satisfying bite.
Is there an easy way to make this dish dairy-free?
Definitely—just leave out the mozzarella and Parmesan or try a dairy-free cheese alternative. The pasta will still be flavorful and hearty thanks to the balsamic, garlic, and basil.
Can I use store-bought bruschetta instead of making the tomato mixture?
If you’re in a pinch, good quality store-bought bruschetta topping can work! Simply warm it with garlic in the pan, then proceed with the rest of the Bruschetta Chicken Pasta steps for a shortcut version.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken for maximum tenderness?
Cut your chicken into evenly-sized pieces so they cook at the same rate, don’t overcrowd your pan, and sauté over medium-high heat just until cooked through. Letting them rest while you cook the veggies also keeps the chicken moist and juicy.
Can I meal-prep Bruschetta Chicken Pasta for lunches?
Yes—this recipe is perfect for meal prep! Portion it into containers and store in the fridge. For the freshest flavors, add the chopped basil and cheese right before eating, either hot or at room temperature.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll treat yourself and your family to a big bowl of Bruschetta Chicken Pasta soon—it’s that unbeatable blend of comforting, fresh, and utterly satisfying. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it earns a permanent spot in your meal rotation!
Print
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of bruschetta with perfectly cooked chicken and pasta, all coated in a savory balsamic glaze and topped with gooey melted cheese.
Ingredients
Penne Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Other Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Penne Pasta: Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chicken pieces until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, add cherry tomatoes, then return chicken to the skillet along with cooked pasta, basil, balsamic vinegar, and balsamic glaze. Cook until heated through.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted. Serve garnished with basil.
Notes
- For a lighter version, skip the mozzarella and use just Parmesan.
- This dish is great served warm or at room temperature.
- Whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta can be used as alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
