Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is an easy weeknight dinner made with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, tender chicken, and pasta tossed in a light balsamic sauce. Finished with Parmesan and an optional drizzle of balsamic glaze, it's fresh, flavorful, and ready in 30 minutes.
I love a good pasta dinner, and this bruschetta chicken pasta is always a hit in our house! It's packed with fresh flavor, easy to make, and even the kids clean their plates (yes, tomatoes and all 😄). The bruschetta mixture adds so much flavor, especially after a quick marinate, and a sprinkle of Parmesan on top finishes it off perfectly. We love finishing it with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for even more flavor.
If you love these flavors, you'll also want to try my grilled bruschetta chicken for another easy dinner idea!
Quick Look: Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Servings: 4-6
- Flavor: Fresh, tomato, basil
- Pasta: Penne, bowtie, or spaghetti
- Tip: Add balsamic glaze for extra flavor
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh and flavorful: Juicy cherry tomatoes, basil, and a light balsamic sauce
- Quick dinner: Ready in about 30 minutes for busy weeknights
- Simple ingredients: Chicken, pasta, and pantry staples. If you enjoy simple pasta dinners like this, try my lemon piccata chicken pasta for another easy option.
- Easy to customize: Try different pasta or add balsamic glaze
- Great leftovers: Perfect for next-day lunches
I knew when I saw this recipe that my hubby would love it and I was right. We had no leftovers and he said I could make it again tomorrow if I wanted. Lol. Thx for always having easy delicious recipes to share!
Ingredient Notes
See printable recipe card below for exact ingredients and directions.
- Cherry tomatoes: Fresh cherry or grape tomatoes work best for a juicy, flavorful bruschetta mixture.
- Fresh basil: Adds the best flavor here, dried basil won't give the same fresh taste.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and stay tender when diced or sliced.
- Balsamic vinegar– Gives the dish its signature tangy flavor; use a good-quality balsamic vinegar for the best flavor.
- Balsamic glaze (optional): A drizzle on top adds a slightly sweet, rich finish.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts best, but pre-grated works just fine too.
Variations
- Change the pasta – Penne or bowtie work great and hold the bruschetta mixture well.
- Make it a pasta bake – Add mozzarella, transfer to a baking dish, and bake until bubbly.
- Use grilled chicken – Swap skillet chicken for grilled bruschetta chicken for extra flavor.
- Add balsamic glaze – Drizzle on top for a sweet and tangy finish.
- Go low-carb – Skip the pasta and serve the bruschetta chicken over zucchini noodles or lettuce.
How To Make Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Step 1. In a small bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, basil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate while you prepare the rest of the dish to let the flavors marinate.
Step 2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Step 3. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with Italian seasoning (and salt and pepper, if desired), and cook until done. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet, then stir in the bruschetta mixture. Cook for about 1 minute, just until heated through.
Step 5. Drain the pasta, then add it to the skillet with the chicken and bruschetta mixture. Toss to coat.
Step 6. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and drizzle with balsamic glaze (if using). Serve immediately.
Cooking Tips
- Add the bruschetta mixture just before serving to keep the pasta fresh and prevent it from becoming watery.
- Cook the pasta just to al dente so it doesn't get too soft when combined.
- Let the tomato mixture marinate while prepping for the best flavor.
- Slice or dice the chicken evenly so it cooks quickly and stays tender.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with cheesy garlic bread, like my Black Angus Cheesy Garlic Bread, for an easy, crowd-pleasing side.
- Pair with a simple green salad or chopped Caprese salad for a fresh option.
- Add fresh fruit, like my Zesty Fruit Salad, for a lighter, kid-friendly side.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stove-top until warmed through.
- If needed, add a splash of water or olive oil to keep the pasta from drying out.
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe FAQs
Bruschetta chicken pasta is a fresh, Italian-inspired dish made with tomatoes, basil, garlic, chicken, and pasta tossed together with a light balsamic flavor.
Yes! A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a slightly sweet and tangy finish and enhances the overall flavor.
Spaghetti works great for this recipe, but you can also use penne or bowtie if you prefer a pasta that holds the bruschetta mixture.
You can prep the bruschetta mixture ahead, but for best results, combine everything just before serving to keep it fresh.
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Easy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
- ⅓ cup fresh basil chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts diced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tablespoon Balsamic glaze (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, basil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate while you prepare the rest of the dish.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with Italian seasoning (and salt and pepper, if desired), and cook until done. Remove and set aside.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet, then stir in the bruschetta mixture. Cook for about 1 minute, just until heated through.
- Drain the pasta, then add it to the skillet with the chicken and bruschetta mixture. Toss to coat.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and drizzle with balsamic glaze (if using). Serve immediately.
Notes
- Add the bruschetta mixture just before serving to keep the pasta from becoming watery.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor.
- Spaghetti works great, but penne or bowtie can also be used.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For extra flavor, drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Nutrition
Julie Foust says
This was Fabulous, and a great way to use up tomatoes, garlic and basil from my garden! Full of wonderful flavors 😋
Kristin says
YAY! Glad you enjoyed this!
Carol says
Anyone add fresh mozzarella? Making tonight.
Kristin says
I have before and its been great! Hope you enjoy!
Amy says
Delicious! Made with spaghetti squash instead of pasta! Great way to use the grape tomatoes that are coming in. Huge hit and now in the regular rotation!
Thank you.
Kristin says
Great idea on using spaghetti squash for this! Glad to hear you enjoyed!!
Susie says
I’m confused about the Balsamic Glaze. Is that just more Balsamic vinegar?
Kristin says
You’ll actually find Balsamic Glaze near the vinegar. Its a bit thicker as its been reduced down and holds a slightly different flavor than the vinegar. I love adding a bit of it to different dishes. If you don’t have it, you can omit, but it definitely enhances the flavor of this dish.
Barbara says
With all the covid 19 stuff going on recipes are something we started doing because we are trying to stay home more to avoid people. I have to say this is one of the best ones I have tried. Everyone loved it!!
Kristin says
Yay! Glad it was a hit recipe for you all!! I love it in the summer because its so light tasting!
Patricia R Trucksess says
P.S. sorry I forgot to ask what is the glaze or is it just a tbsp. of the balsamic vinegar ? Do you just put it on the dish at the last minute and stir?
Kristin says
The glaze is actually a thicker type sauce. You can buy it at the grocery store near all the vinegars. I added some on top and then again to each plate before serving. It isn’t needed, but its a great addition for sure!
Patricia Trucksess says
How would I make this for 2 people… I know how to change the chicken and spaghetti amount… but how to change or adjust the bruschetta amount?
Kristin says
You could cut each of the ingredients in half and that should be great!
Dena says
Made this last night. It s a keeper
Kristin says
Yay! Glad you enjoyed!
Lisa says
Ohmuhgawd! Deelish! I just made this for dinner tonight. Had to sub in 2 medium beefsteak tomatoes, a packet of plant-based chick’n, added extra balsamic vinegar, a practically indecent amount of fresh basil (my addiction with traditional bruschetta) and subbed nutritional yeast instead of parm. Over whole wheat pasta, this was a HIT. Definitely adding this to the regular meal rotation. YUM! Thank you for sharing!
Kristin says
Yay! Love hearing how you enjoyed it! Great idea to change it up a bit, love it!
Nancy says
What is the serving size?
Kristin says
About 1 cup per serving!
Elaine says
Absolutely amazing. I did not have enough basil but had some pesto so I added that. The balsamic glaze added on at the end put it over the top.
Kristin says
Yay!! So glad you enjoyed it!!
Lori says
Mine turned out dry. Why do you think so?
Kristin says
Hmmm, were your tomatoes juicy? I have heard some people say that their tomatoes not being ripe caused an issue? You can always increase the balsamic vinegar/glaze too!!
January says
I kept looking for the toasted bread in this Bruschetta recipe. I see how you were just including the veggie part, but wondered if toasted crostini might be cut into cubes to give it a real bruschetta feel? Sounds delicious by the way. Can’t wait to try!!!!❤️
Kristin says
Ooooo, great idea! I like your thinking! That would be a great addition, maybe even tossing in some Italian seasoned croutons!! Let me know if you try it and how it turns out!
Lisette Boucher says
Yummy!!!
Kristin says
Agreed!! Its a tasty dinner for sure!!
Cathy says
How much Bruschetta?
Kristin says
You make the Bruschetta using tomatoes, basil, garlic, and Balsamic vinegar in this recipe!