Rustic Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe

Zesty Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe: Fresh Italian Comfort

Tender chicken meets zesty tomatoes in this mouthwatering bruschetta chicken pasta that promises a flavor explosion.

Fresh basil and garlic dance through each perfectly cooked bite.

Mediterranean ingredients blend seamlessly with comforting pasta strands.

Juicy diced tomatoes add bright color and incredible depth to the dish.

The recipe combines classic Italian flavors with simple, wholesome ingredients you can easily find.

Crispy chicken pieces provide a protein-packed foundation that makes every forkful satisfying.

Dive into this delectable meal that transforms ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary celebration.

Steps To Cook Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

  • Bruschetta Base

Fresh tomatoes bursting with summer flavors get chopped and mixed with fragrant herbs, creating a vibrant topping that will dance across your pasta.

  • Pasta Preparation

Boiling water transforms ordinary noodles into a perfect canvas, waiting to absorb the delicious bruschetta essence.

  • Chicken Magic

Juicy chicken breasts sizzle in a hot skillet, developing a golden crust and sealing in mouth-watering flavor profiles.

  • Flavor Fusion

The skillet becomes a magical mixing zone where pasta meets bruschetta, allowing each ingredient to intertwine and create a harmonious culinary experience.

  • Plate Symphony

Arrange pasta as the foundation, crown it with tender chicken slices, and add optional Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of richness.

  • Final Touch

Scatter fresh basil leaves across the dish, transforming your creation into a restaurant-worthy meal that promises to delight every taste bud.

Add Flavor To Bruschetta Chicken Pasta With These Ideas

  • Fresh Herb Substitutions: Swap basil with other aromatic herbs like parsley, oregano, or thyme to create unique flavor profiles while maintaining the dish's vibrant Mediterranean essence.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace traditional pasta with gluten-free alternatives like zucchini noodles, quinoa pasta, or brown rice pasta to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Protein Flexibility: Easily swap chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or plant-based chicken alternatives for diverse protein options that cater to different dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the bruschetta topping and marinate chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flavors to develop deeper complexity and reducing day-of preparation time for busy home cooks.
  • Low-Carb Transformation: Create a lighter version by using cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables instead of traditional pasta, maintaining the dish's delicious bruschetta flavors while reducing carbohydrate content.

Serving Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Without Fuss

  • Rustic Italian Feast: Serve this bruschetta chicken pasta on a large wooden board for a family-style presentation that feels like a warm Italian gathering.
  • Mediterranean Salad Companion: Pair the dish with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, tangy flavors of the pasta.
  • Wine and Dine Pairing: Choose a chilled glass of pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to complement the bright tomato and basil notes in this vibrant meal.
  • Leftover Magic Transformation: Turn remaining pasta into a cold pasta salad by adding extra fresh herbs, diced cucumber, and a splash of olive oil for a quick lunch option.

Save Leftovers Of Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Easily

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store the bruschetta chicken pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
  • Pasta Separation Technique: Keep the bruschetta topping and sliced chicken separate from pasta when storing. This prevents soggy noodles and helps maintain the crisp, fresh flavors during reheating.
  • Smart Reheating Method: Warm individual portions in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or pasta water. Stir gently to redistribute moisture and restore the dish's original delicious consistency. Avoid microwave if possible to prevent rubbery chicken texture.
  • Freezing Recommendation: Freeze the chicken and pasta components separately in freezer-safe containers. Raw bruschetta topping doesn't freeze well, so prepare fresh when ready to enjoy. Frozen chicken and pasta remain good for up to 2 months when sealed correctly with minimal air exposure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 485 kcal

Servings: 3

What Goes Into Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

For Bruschetta Topping:
  • Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes add juicy sweetness and vibrant color to the dish, best when vine-ripened or from local farmers' markets.
  • Garlic: Aromatic and zesty, minced garlic infuses bold flavor into the bruschetta mixture, choose fresh cloves for maximum punch.
  • Basil: Fragrant herb that brings a bright, peppery note, select crisp green leaves with no wilting.
  • Olive Oil: Smooth, rich base that binds ingredients and adds luxurious texture, opt for extra virgin for best quality.
  • Balsamic Vinegar: Adds tangy depth and complex sweetness, choose aged varieties for richer flavor.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance all other ingredients.
For Protein and Pasta:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that provides hearty substance, look for organic or free-range options.
  • Garlic Powder: Concentrated seasoning that delivers consistent garlic flavor throughout the chicken.
  • Italian Seasoning: Dried herb blend that adds authentic Mediterranean warmth to the chicken.
  • Pasta: Provides satisfying base for the dish, select a shape that holds sauce well like penne or rotini.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds creamy richness, freshly grated provides best flavor.
  • Balsamic Glaze: Sweet-tangy reduction that elevates the entire dish with glossy finish.
  • Fresh Basil: Additional garnish that brings bright, herbal freshness to the final presentation.

Gear List For Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

  • Large Skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and combining pasta with bruschetta topping.
  • Large Pot: Crucial for boiling pasta with salted water.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for dicing tomatoes and slicing chicken.
  • Sharp Knife: Perfect for precise chopping and slicing ingredients.
  • Mixing Bowl: Great for preparing bruschetta topping and combining ingredients.
  • Tongs: Helpful for handling and turning chicken while cooking.
  • Colander: Useful for draining pasta after cooking.
  • Measuring Cups/Spoons: Important for accurate ingredient measurements.
Print
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Rustic Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe

Rustic Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe


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4.8 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Bruschetta chicken pasta blends Italian-inspired flavors with hearty ingredients. Fresh tomatoes, herbs, and tender chicken create a delightful Mediterranean-style meal you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
  • 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti, fettuccine, or favorite pasta
  • 4 tomatoes, medium, ripe, diced
  • ¼ cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup basil leaves, fresh, chopped
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Balsamic glaze, for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Bruschetta: Combine diced tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Let the mixture marinate for 15 minutes to develop rich, harmonious flavors.
  2. Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve a half cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining completely.
  3. Sear Chicken: Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden-brown and fully cooked, approximately 6-7 minutes per side.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Slice chicken into strips. In the same skillet, toss pasta with reserved cooking liquid and bruschetta mixture, ensuring each pasta strand is evenly coated.
  5. Plate and Garnish: Arrange pasta on serving plates, top with chicken strips. Optionally sprinkle Parmesan cheese and drizzle balsamic glaze. Finish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant presentation. Serve immediately while warm and flavorful.

Notes

  • Optimize Marination Time: Allow bruschetta mixture to rest for at least 15 minutes, letting tomatoes release natural juices and herbs infuse deep, rich flavors into the base.
  • Prevent Dry Chicken: Use medium heat and avoid overcooking chicken breasts, which can result in tough, stringy meat. Aim for internal temperature of 165°F for perfect moisture retention.
  • Pasta Water Magic: Reserve starchy cooking liquid as a secret weapon for creating silky, clingy sauce that helps ingredients adhere seamlessly to pasta strands.
  • Elevate Dietary Variations: Swap chicken with grilled tofu or plant-based protein for vegetarian version; use gluten-free pasta for celiac-friendly adaptation; substitute low-sodium alternatives for heart-healthy meal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 485
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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