Introduction
This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta combines tender, golden-seared chicken with a fresh tomato-basil bruschetta topping, tossed with al dente pasta in a light balsamic glaze. Finished with melty mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan, this dish is a simple yet elegant way to enjoy classic Italian flavors in a comforting pasta meal.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta – Boil the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken – Season both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the chicken – Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Make the bruschetta topping – In the same skillet, add cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and balsamic vinegar. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly.
- Combine everything – Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the tomato mixture. Stir in sliced chicken and fresh basil.
- Add cheese & serve – Sprinkle mozzarella over the pasta, letting it melt slightly. Garnish with additional basil and grated Parmesan before serving.
Variations
- Make It Creamy – For a richer, more indulgent dish, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or a few tablespoons of ricotta cheese after tossing the pasta with the bruschetta mixture. This will add a velvety texture and a hint of extra decadence to the dish.
- Add a Kick of Heat – If you love a bit of spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or drizzle with a bit of spicy chili oil when serving. The mild heat pairs beautifully with the fresh basil and balsamic glaze.
- Swap the Protein – Instead of chicken, try grilled shrimp, thinly sliced steak, or even roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly version. Each protein variation brings its own depth of flavor while keeping the dish balanced and delicious.
Cooking Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Italian seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Make it creamy! Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta for a richer texture.
- Swap the pasta: Use whole wheat pasta, gluten-free penne, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair It With Garlic Bread – A crispy, buttery slice of garlic bread is the perfect sidekick to soak up any extra balsamic tomato sauce. You can also try a lightly toasted baguette for a more rustic approach.
- Fresh Side Salad – A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the dish beautifully. The fresh, citrusy dressing cuts through the richness of the cheese and olive oil, balancing out the meal.
- Wine Pairing – Serve this pasta with a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. The bright acidity in these wines enhances the fresh tomatoes and basil while complementing the tender chicken.
Tips
- Marinate the Chicken for Extra Flavor – If you have extra time, marinate the chicken in a mix of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and Italian seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This infuses the meat with deeper flavor and makes it even juicier.
- Use Fresh Mozzarella for a Creamier Melt – While shredded mozzarella works well, fresh mozzarella slices melt beautifully and create delicious, gooey pockets of cheese throughout the pasta. You can also use burrata for an ultra-luxurious twist.
- Don’t Skip the Basil – Fresh basil adds a pop of brightness and enhances the Italian flavors, so be sure to add it at the very end to keep it fragrant. If you only have dried basil, reduce the amount by half and mix it in earlier for the best taste.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Sodium: 420mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and the bruschetta topping in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and toss everything together with freshly cooked pasta. - What’s the best pasta to use for this dish?
Penne works great because it holds the sauce and toppings well, but you can also use rigatoni, farfalle, or even spaghetti for a different texture. If you prefer a lighter option, try zucchini noodles or whole wheat pasta. - Can I use store-bought bruschetta instead of making it fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a good-quality store-bought bruschetta topping can be a quick substitute. Just be mindful of the added salt and seasonings, and adjust the flavors as needed. - What can I use instead of balsamic vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can swap it with red wine vinegar + a touch of honey for a similar tangy-sweet balance. A drizzle of lemon juice can also brighten up the dish as an alternative.
Conclusion
This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is the perfect fusion of fresh, vibrant flavors and comforting Italian-inspired goodness. With its juicy, golden-seared chicken, garlicky balsamic tomato topping, and a sprinkle of melty mozzarella, it’s a dish that feels gourmet but comes together in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, this pasta is guaranteed to impress! What’s your favorite Italian-inspired dish to cook at home? 🍝😊
Print
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta combines tender, golden-seared chicken with a fresh tomato-basil bruschetta topping, tossed with al dente pasta in a light balsamic glaze. Finished with melty mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan, this dish is a simple yet elegant way to enjoy classic Italian flavors in a comforting pasta meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta – Boil the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken – Season both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the chicken – Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Make the bruschetta topping – In the same skillet, add cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and balsamic vinegar. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly.
- Combine everything – Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the tomato mixture. Stir in sliced chicken and fresh basil.
- Add cheese & serve – Sprinkle mozzarella over the pasta, letting it melt slightly. Garnish with additional basil and grated Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Italian seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Make it creamy! Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta for a richer texture.
- Swap the pasta: Use whole wheat pasta, gluten-free penne, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Bruschetta Chicken Pasta, Italian Pasta, Easy Chicken Pasta, Bruschetta Chicken, Pasta Dinner