Craving a quick yet flavorful Italian dinner? Bruschetta Chicken Pasta might just be your new go-to favorite. This easy, weeknight meal brings together tender chicken breast, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and aromatic garlic, all tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and optional balsamic glaze, this dish is a delightful fusion of bruschetta’s fresh zing and comforting pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a healthy balance of protein, carbs, and bold flavor—making it an irresistible choice for busy families and food lovers alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients. The cherry tomatoes add a sweet juiciness, while garlic and basil bring a fragrant depth. Paired with tender, al dente spaghetti, every bite offers a comforting, well-balanced flavor. The savory Parmesan and optional balsamic glaze tie everything together for a balanced, crave-worthy dish. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for meal prepping or impressing guests.
Ingredients
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional)
How to Make Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
- Marinate the Bruschetta Topping:
- In a medium bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, basil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and refrigerate to marinate while you prepare the pasta and chicken.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil water in a large pot and cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and season with Italian seasoning. Sauté until fully cooked.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Combine Everything:
- Pour the remaining tablespoon of olive oil into the same skillet.
- Sauté the marinated bruschetta mixture for 1-2 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken and add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss until everything is well mixed and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Top with Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a richer flavor.
- For best results, let the tomato mixture marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken—cook just until no longer pink.
- Keep a cup of the pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Substitutions And Variations
- Pasta: Swap spaghetti for penne, fettuccine, or gluten-free pasta.
- Chicken: Try grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even shrimp.
- Cheese: Substitute mozzarella or goat cheese for a different taste profile.
- Add-ins: Include spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives for extra flavor.
- Low-carb: Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! Prepare each element in advance and mix everything together right before serving.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian? Absolutely. Just omit the chicken or replace with plant-based protein like tofu.
What if I don’t have balsamic glaze? You can reduce balsamic vinegar in a pan until syrupy as a homemade alternative.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Keep leftovers fresh by storing them in an airtight container for up to four days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in intervals.
- Freezing: Not recommended due to the texture of fresh tomatoes and basil.
Conclusion
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is the kind of meal that delivers elegance without effort. It captures the essence of Italian cuisine with simple, fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is a go-to you’ll return to often. Try it out, leave a comment to share your experience, and explore more delicious pasta recipes right here!
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Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is a fresh, flavorful 30-minute Italian dinner with juicy tomatoes, basil, and tender chicken. Try it now!
Ingredients
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
12 oz spaghetti
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Bruschetta Topping:
- In a medium bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, basil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and refrigerate to marinate while you prepare the pasta and chicken.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil water in a large pot and cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and season with Italian seasoning. Sauté until fully cooked.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Combine Everything:
- Pour the remaining tablespoon of olive oil into the same skillet.
- Sauté the marinated bruschetta mixture for 1-2 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken and add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss until everything is well mixed and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Top with Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For extra flavor, let the tomato mixture marinate longer. Save pasta water to adjust texture. Best enjoyed fresh but stores well!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Protein: 28g