This colorful pasta dish is packed with juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and grilled chicken, all tossed together for a tasty meal. It’s so simple to make, you’ll love it!
You can top it with some cheese if you’re feeling fancy—because who doesn’t love a little cheese? I often whip this up for a quick dinner, and it always impresses guests!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This recipe calls for penne, but you can use any pasta shape you love – fusilli, rotini, or even spaghetti work well. Just adjust cooking time if needed!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts add protein, but feel free to use thighs for a richer flavor, or swap with tofu for a vegetarian option. Cooked shrimp is also a tasty alternative.
Fresh Tomatoes: Dice up ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. If they aren’t in season, substitute with canned diced tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper taste.
Basil: Fresh basil gives a vibrant touch. If you don’t have fresh, use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil instead—just remember that dried herbs have a stronger flavor!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is perfect on top, but you can omit it for a dairy-free option or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do I Cook Chicken Perfectly Every Time?
Cooking chicken well can make a big difference in your pasta dish. Here’s how I do it:
- Make sure your chicken is cut into evenly sized pieces for even cooking.
- Heat the pan thoroughly before adding oil. This helps create a nice sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! It can cause steaming instead of browning.
- Cook on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink in the center (about 5-7 minutes).
- A meat thermometer can help; aim for 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
How to Make Easy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz penne pasta (or your favorite pasta)
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
For Topping:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta recipe will take about 25-30 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the pasta, and about 15-20 minutes for the chicken and sauce. Perfect for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. When it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and golden brown. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Making the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until you can smell its delicious aroma. Next, toss in the diced fresh tomatoes and let them cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
4. Combining Everything:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet along with the chicken pieces, fresh basil, the rest of the Italian seasoning, and the balsamic vinegar. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Toss everything gently to combine, ensuring it’s all coated nicely. Cook for another 2-3 minutes just until everything is heated through.
5. Final Touches:
Take a moment to taste your pasta and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper. When you’re satisfied with the flavor, serve it warm. Garnish each plate with extra fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your vibrant and delicious Easy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular pasta with gluten-free penne or any gluten-free pasta of your choice. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking times, as they may vary slightly from traditional pasta.
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Basil?
If you don’t have fresh basil on hand, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried basil instead. While fresh herbs offer a more vibrant flavor, dried herbs can still provide a nice taste to the dish, so don’t hesitate to use them!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking. You can also use the microwave, but be sure to stir occasionally for even heating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Pasta?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in some sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor. Just add these veggies while cooking the tomatoes, making sure they are tender before tossing in the pasta.
