Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe | Fresh, Flavorful, and Easy Weeknight Dinner Idea

Introduction

A dish that blends the vibrant freshness of summer salads with the comforting richness of a warm pasta dinner, this bruschetta chicken pasta marries juicy chicken, ripe tomatoes, basil, garlic and al dente pasta in a flavour-packed dish. Imagine the classic bruschetta topping you might enjoy on toasted bread but transformed into a full-meal experience by combining it with tender chicken strips and pasta. The result is approachable yet elegant, easily made on a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests. In this recipe you’ll enjoy the bright tang of tomatoes and basil balanced with the savoury depth of chicken and parmesan, all tossed in olive oil and a hint of balsamic or garlic if you like. Once you’ve prepared a few key elements you’ll find the assembly comes together swiftly. The end outcome is satisfying, refreshing and absolutely worth adding to your dinner rotation.

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Ingredients Needed

Here’s a table listing the ingredients for a recipe serving approximately four people, along with an estimated calorie count for each ingredient. (Note: these are approximate values and depend on specific brands and portion sizes.)

Ingredient	Amount	Estimated Calories*
Boneless skinless chicken breast	500 g (approx. 2 medium breasts)	~550 kcal
Pasta (such as angel hair or penne)	300 g dry (yields about 4 servings)	~1100 kcal
Olive oil	3 tablespoons	~360 kcal
Garlic cloves	3-4 cloves	~15 kcal
Cherry or grape tomatoes	250 g	~45 kcal
Fresh basil leaves	½ cup (torn)	~5 kcal
Balsamic vinegar (optional)	1 tablespoon	~14 kcal
Grated Parmesan cheese	½ cup	~215 kcal
Salt and freshly ground black pepper	to taste	negligible

*Total approximate calories for whole recipe: ~2 294 kcal; per serving (4 servings): ~574 kcal.
You can adjust portion sizes, pasta type, or use less oil to reduce calories further.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Begin by prepping your chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper (you may also include a little garlic powder or Italian seasoning if you like).
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add about 1 tablespoon of olive oil and swirl to coat the pan. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook undisturbed for about 5-6 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook another 5-6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C) and the meat is no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and cover loosely with foil to rest for a few minutes.Don’t forget to explore Bruschetta Dip_ for more inspiration.
3. While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (slightly firm when bitten). Drain the pasta, reserving about ¼ cup of the pasta water, and return the drained pasta to the pot or a large mixing bowl.
4. In the same skillet (or a fresh bowl if you prefer) add another 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then add the garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant (do not burn). Add the halved cherry tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften but still hold their shape.
5. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves, balsamic vinegar if using, and the reserved pasta water (a splash) to create a light sauce. Then add the drained pasta into this mixture and toss gently so that the pasta is coated in the tomato herb sauce.
6. Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl with the pasta, or arrange the pasta on plates and top with the chicken.
7. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the dish and toss lightly or let diners serve themselves. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately while the dish is warm.

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Tips for Customizing the Recipe

You can easily tailor this bruschetta chicken pasta to suit your taste, dietary needs or what you have on hand. If you prefer a touch of creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta before adding the chicken. For a lighter option, use whole wheat or chick-pea pasta and reduce the olive oil slightly. If fresh cherry tomatoes are not available, crisp Roma tomatoes diced will still work—just ensure they are draining well so they don’t make the dish watery. For added vegetables consider tossing in zucchini ribbons, sautéed mushrooms or spinach leaves a minute before serving. You may swap chicken for grilled shrimp or omit the protein entirely for a vegetarian version—adding chickpeas or white beans for plant-based protein. If you want a bit more zing, add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of a good balsamic glaze. Fresh herbs make all the difference—basil is classic, but you can mix in fresh oregano or parsley. For a more robust Italian flavour profile, include a teaspoon of Italian seasoning when cooking the chicken. If time is short, you might use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken—just heat gently with the pasta and tomato herb base. You can serve the dish hot or even at room temperature, making it ideal for potlucks or summer lunches. Adjust the Parmesan cheese quantity to reduce sodium or swap for a lower-fat cheese if desired. In short, this recipe is flexible and forgiving.

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Nutritional Information

Here is a rough nutritional breakdown per serving (based on four servings for the recipe above):

Because fresh tomatoes and basil provide vitamins A and C and other antioxidants, this dish offers more than just comfort—it brings in fresh produce. If you choose whole-grain pasta, you’ll boost fibre and micronutrients further. Reducing oil or cheese will lower fat and calorie load; conversely, adding cream or extra cheese will raise it. For those tracking macros or calories the variation can be significant: one source estimated a version at 810 kcal per serving. portion size and ingredient choices.

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Serving Suggestions

This bruschetta chicken pasta works beautifully when paired with a few complementary sides and presentation touches. Serve with a crisp green salad tossed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad—its freshness will balance the richness of the pasta. Warm garlic bread, focaccia or a crusty loaf are excellent for mopping up any sauce. If you’d like a vegetable side, roasted asparagus or steamed green beans drizzled with olive oil and lemon make a nice contrast. Finish the plate with a few fresh basil leaves or a light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and an optional balsamic glaze for visual flair. A chilled glass of dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs particularly well—but if preferred, sparkling water with a lemon wedge works equally well. For dessert keep it light: a fruit-based sorbet, berries with a splash of balsamic vinegar, or a small piece of dark chocolate can round out the meal. For a casual family dinner scoop generous portions into bowls and let everyone garnish as desired; for entertaining, plate elegantly in shallow bowls and add chicken slices fan-style on top of pasta.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the tomato basil bruschetta mixture in advance and cook the chicken ahead of time, then assemble the pasta shortly before serving. Cooked pasta holds best when tossed with a little olive oil and stored in a sealed container, then reheated gently with a splash of pasta water. best?
Lighter noodles such as angel hair or thin spaghetti work well because they allow the tomato basil topping to shine through. Penne or rigatoni are also good options if you prefer sturdier pasta that captures the chicken and sauce.

How can I reduce calories or make it healthier?
There are several simple adjustments: use whole-wheat or legume-based pasta, reduce the amount of olive oil or cheese, increase the proportion of tomatoes and basil, and limit high-fat additions like cream. Also serve with plenty of vegetables or salad to increase volume without dramatically increasing calories.

Can I freeze leftovers?
While you can store cooked pasta and chicken in the freezer, the fresh tomato and basil mixture tends to lose its texture and flavour after freezing and thawing. It is best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days in an airtight container.

Is it possible to make a vegetarian version?
Absolutely. Replace the chicken with plant-based protein such as chickpeas, white beans or tofu cubes. Follow the same pasta and tomato basil topping steps and optionally add a vegetarian Parmesan or nutritional yeast for flavour.

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Conclusion

What makes this bruschetta chicken pasta truly special is its balance of fresh and hearty, elegant yet easy, vibrant and satisfying. Combining tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil and al dente pasta gives you a recipe that wins on flavour and practicality. Whether you prepare it for a weeknight meal or serve it to friends, it delivers. The recipe invites variation so you can tailor it to your dietary preferences, seasonal produce or pantry ingredients.