Nina Johnson
Fresh, flavorful, and fast—this Easy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta brings together everything you love about summer tomatoes and grilled chicken in a hearty, satisfying dish. With juicy marinated chicken, vibrant tomatoes, garlic, basil, and a touch of balsamic, it delivers the brightness of bruschetta in a filling pasta bowl.
Whether you’re craving something wholesome yet vibrant, or need a weeknight dinner that looks as good as it tastes, this pasta is a surefire favorite. It balances savory and zesty, creamy and light, and pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty bread.
What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Bruschetta Chicken Pasta?
Linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti all work wonderfully. Choose a pasta that allows the olive oil and bruschetta-style toppings to cling to it without getting overwhelmed. Avoid overly delicate or tiny pasta shapes like orzo.
Ingredients for the Easy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Chicken Breasts – Lean, protein-rich chicken is grilled or pan-seared with Italian seasoning to give it a savory, herbed crust.
Fresh Tomatoes – Diced Roma or cherry tomatoes add juicy bursts of freshness and natural sweetness to the pasta.
Garlic – Essential for infusing the oil and tomatoes with aromatic depth.
Fresh Basil – Adds a peppery, herbaceous brightness that’s iconic to bruschetta.
Olive Oil – The base for sautéing and combining all the flavors into a cohesive sauce.
Balsamic Vinegar – Adds a hint of acidity and complexity, enhancing the sweet tomatoes.
Parmesan Cheese – Brings a salty, nutty finish that ties the pasta together.
Linguine or Spaghetti – A long pasta is ideal for soaking up the garlic-oil and tomato mixture.
Salt and Pepper – For seasoning each component to taste.
How To Make the Easy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Marinate and Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a light drizzle of olive oil. Let them marinate for 15 minutes, then grill or sear in a hot skillet until golden brown and cooked through. Let rest, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Prepare the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 3: Make the Bruschetta Mix
In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, olive oil, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Let it sit for 10 minutes so the flavors can meld.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
In a large skillet or serving bowl, toss the hot pasta with the bruschetta mixture and the reserved pasta water to loosen. Add the cooked chicken and stir until everything is evenly combined and warm.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top with freshly shaved or grated Parmesan and extra basil if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
How to Serve and Store This Pasta
Serve this dish warm with a drizzle of olive oil and extra Parmesan or basil on top. Pair it with a side of roasted veggies or a crisp arugula salad. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or olive oil to revive the flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works great in a pinch. Just shred or dice and warm it before adding it to the pasta.
Is this dish good cold like a pasta salad?
It can be enjoyed cold if you like a bruschetta-inspired pasta salad, especially on warm days. Just skip reheating and serve it chilled.
Can I add mozzarella?
Absolutely! Small mozzarella pearls or diced fresh mozzarella melt slightly and add a creamy, cheesy bonus.
What kind of tomatoes work best?
Roma and cherry tomatoes are ideal because they’re firm, sweet, and not too watery.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, simply skip the chicken or replace it with grilled tofu or chickpeas for protein.
What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
You can substitute with red wine vinegar or a squeeze of lemon, though balsamic provides the best depth.
Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?
If you love this Easy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta, here are more dinner-worthy dishes you’ll enjoy:
- Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Sauteed Garlic Butter Chicken for ultra comfort.
- Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine if you’re craving bold and buttery.
- Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta for a spicy seafood twist.
- Light Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Chicken for a lighter, refreshing meal.
- Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce for cozy, creamy bites.
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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you serve it warm or chilled? Did you try a different cheese on top?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.
Easy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
Description
A fresh and satisfying pasta dish that brings together juicy grilled chicken, garlicky tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan, all tossed with olive oil and balsamic over linguine. It’s a quick, colorful dinner bursting with classic bruschetta flavors.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for cooking)
Salt and pepper to taste
12 oz linguine or spaghetti
4 Roma tomatoes (diced) or 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Rub chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Let sit for 15 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Grill or sear the chicken in a hot skillet with a bit of oil until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside and slice.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Make the Bruschetta Mix: In a bowl, mix tomatoes, garlic, basil, 1 tbsp olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Let rest 10 minutes.
- Combine: Toss pasta with bruschetta mix and reserved pasta water. Add sliced chicken and combine well.
- Garnish: Top with Parmesan and extra basil before serving.
