The Ultimate Weeknight Pasta with Bold Italian Flair
If you’re a fan of Italian-inspired meals that are both hearty and refreshing, this Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is going to be your new favorite. It combines tender grilled or pan-seared chicken with a fresh tomato bruschetta topping, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and finished with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze.
It’s everything you love about a classic tomato bruschetta—garlic, basil, olive oil—elevated into a full, satisfying meal. Simple enough for weeknights and elegant enough for entertaining.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Pasta
- Bold, fresh flavor: Tomatoes, basil, and garlic shine in every bite.
- Protein-packed: Juicy chicken brings richness and balance.
- Customizable: Use gluten-free pasta, add cheese, or make it spicy.
- One-pan + one-pot simplicity: Easy cleanup and fast prep.
- Crowd-pleasing: A dish that feels like restaurant quality at home.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
For the Bruschetta Topping:
- 2 cups cherry or Roma tomatoes, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or glaze
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz penne, spaghetti, or linguine
- Salted water for boiling
- Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1 tbsp butter for added richness
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Boil salted water and cook pasta to al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
2. Prepare the Chicken
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear in a hot skillet with olive oil, 5–6 minutes per side.
- Let rest, then slice thinly.
3. Make the Bruschetta
- In a bowl, mix tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, balsamic, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Let sit for 10 minutes to let flavors meld.
4. Combine Pasta and Chicken
- In the skillet, toss cooked pasta with butter or olive oil and reserved pasta water.
- Add sliced chicken and half the bruschetta mixture.
- Toss gently until combined.
5. Serve and Garnish
- Plate pasta and top with remaining bruschetta.
- Drizzle with more balsamic, add Parmesan, and finish with extra basil.
🧀 Flavor Variations
- Add mozzarella pearls or burrata for a creamy twist.
- Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning.
- Use grilled chicken: For a smoky summertime vibe.
- Roast the tomatoes: For a deeper flavor base.
- Add spinach or arugula: For a green boost.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or focaccia.
- Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio.
- Add a green salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
- Top with pine nuts or sunflower seeds for crunch.
📦 Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Gently in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil.
- Avoid microwaving bruschetta topping—best served fresh.
📊 Nutritional Info (Per Serving Approx.)
- Calories: 490
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
🧠 Expert Tips
- Use the freshest tomatoes and basil—they make or break the flavor.
- Don’t overcook the chicken—let it rest for juicy slices.
- Taste and adjust your bruschetta before serving.
- Reserve pasta water—it helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
- Use a sharp knife to cleanly dice tomatoes and slice chicken.
❓ FAQs
Q1: Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken?
Absolutely—shred it and warm gently with the pasta.
Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes—just omit chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas.
Q3: What pasta is best for this?
Linguine, penne, or bowties all work well.
Q4: Can I use sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes—mix them with fresh tomatoes for a flavor punch.
Q5: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
It’s best enjoyed fresh due to the fresh topping, but leftovers can be frozen if needed.
✅ Conclusion: A Pasta Dish That’s Light, Bright, and Totally Satisfying
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta combines everything you love about Italian cooking—fresh ingredients, simple steps, and bold flavors. With garlicky tomatoes, juicy chicken, and al dente pasta, this meal delivers freshness and comfort in every forkful.
It’s perfect for spring and summer nights, family dinners, or quick lunches that don’t feel rushed. One bite and you’ll be hooked.
Print
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta – Fresh, Easy, and Full of Flavor
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
-
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
Salt and black pepper to taste
-
½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
For the Bruschetta Topping:
-
2 cups cherry or Roma tomatoes, diced
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or glaze
-
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
-
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
-
8 oz penne, spaghetti, or linguine
-
Salted water for boiling
-
Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
Optional: 1 tbsp butter for added richness
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
-
Boil salted water and cook pasta to al dente.
-
Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
2. Prepare the Chicken
-
Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
-
Sear in a hot skillet with olive oil, 5–6 minutes per side.
-
Let rest, then slice thinly.
3. Make the Bruschetta
-
In a bowl, mix tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, balsamic, basil, salt, and pepper.
-
Let sit for 10 minutes to let flavors meld.
4. Combine Pasta and Chicken
-
In the skillet, toss cooked pasta with butter or olive oil and reserved pasta water.
-
Add sliced chicken and half the bruschetta mixture.
-
Toss gently until combined.
5. Serve and Garnish
-
Plate pasta and top with remaining bruschetta.
-
Drizzle with more balsamic, add Parmesan, and finish with extra basil.