Recipe: Bruschetta Chicken Pasta – Fresh, Grilled, and Full of Flavor

I’ll be honest—this is the kind of pasta I make when I want something that feels fancy but takes way less effort than it looks. It’s light, flavorful, and loaded with summer ingredients like grilled chicken, juicy cherry tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is one of those dishes that never fails to impress.

The first time I made this, I was trying to recreate the flavors of my favorite bruschetta appetizer—but in a full, satisfying meal. I had a few grilled chicken breasts left over, a handful of cherry tomatoes that were on the verge of bursting, and plenty of pasta in the pantry. It came together quickly and beautifully, and I’ve been making it ever since.

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Why You’ll Love This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

This pasta dish is everything I love about summer:

• Juicy grilled chicken seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and garlic
• Charred cherry tomatoes that burst with flavor
• Garlic-infused olive oil that makes the perfect light sauce
• Fresh basil that adds that signature bruschetta brightness
• Pasta that catches all those flavors and ties it together

It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or even as a meal prep option. It’s also one of the best healthy dinner ideas that still feels like a treat.

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Let’s Talk Ingredients – Simple, Fresh, and Flavorful

This recipe thrives on simplicity and quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: balsamic glaze or reduction for drizzling

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz penne or pasta of choice
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil
• Juice of 1 lemon (optional for brightness)

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Ingredient Swaps & Additions

Want to make this recipe your own? You can absolutely do that.

• No chicken? Use grilled shrimp or sautéed tofu for a delicious variation.
• Gluten-free? Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
• Low dairy? Skip the cheese or use dairy-free Parmesan.
• Want more veggies? Add spinach, zucchini, or roasted red peppers.

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s super flexible—you can adjust based on what’s in your fridge or pantry.

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How to Make Bruschetta Chicken Pasta – Step-by-Step

This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, and it’s surprisingly easy for how flavorful it is.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Season and Grill the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken dry and drizzle with olive oil. Season both sides with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Grill the chicken on an outdoor grill or grill pan over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Tip: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought grilled chicken strips or rotisserie chicken.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes

In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Add the halved cherry tomatoes, a pinch of salt, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to blister and soften.

Step 4: Add Pasta and Toss

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomato mixture. Stir in Parmesan, fresh chopped basil, and lemon juice if using. Toss everything until well combined, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to help everything come together.

Step 5: Slice Chicken and Serve

Slice the grilled chicken and place it on top of the pasta. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and more fresh basil for that signature bruschetta look and flavor.

Serve warm, with extra Parmesan on the side if desired.

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Pro Tips for the Best Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

• Let your chicken rest before slicing—it keeps it juicy.
• Use good olive oil—since it’s a key flavor, quality makes a difference.
• Don’t overcook the tomatoes—you want them just blistered, not mushy.
• Toss pasta with sauce immediately so it soaks in all that garlic-basil goodness.
• Add the basil last so it stays vibrant and fresh.

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Serving Suggestions – Make It a Meal

While this dish can definitely stand on its own, you can round it out with:

• Crusty garlic bread or a toasted baguette
• Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Grilled veggies like zucchini, asparagus, or eggplant
• A glass of chilled white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully)

Want to make it feel restaurant-level? Serve it in a shallow bowl with a big basil leaf and a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top. Boom—fancy dinner at home.

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Flavor Variations You’ll Want to Try Next

This recipe is so good you’ll want to make it again…and again. Here are a few easy twists:

Caprese-Style Pasta:

Add fresh mozzarella balls and drizzle with balsamic reduction.

Creamy Version:

Stir in a splash of cream or cream cheese for a silky tomato-basil sauce.

Pesto Swap:

Replace the olive oil and basil with pesto for an herb-packed variation.

Roasted Garlic Upgrade:

Use roasted garlic instead of fresh for a deeper, sweeter flavor.

Each version has its own personality, and they’re all fantastic.

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Why This Dish Always Feels Like a Fresh Win

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how it manages to be light, yet completely satisfying. It’s got that summery energy with bursts of juicy tomato and basil, but the pasta and grilled chicken give it the heartiness you want from a dinner dish.

It’s the kind of meal that’s great hot or cold, which means you can eat it freshly made for dinner and still look forward to the leftovers the next day. (Pro tip: it’s amazing straight out of the fridge, like a cold pasta salad with grilled chicken. Just sayin’.)

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Perfect for Meal Prep, Date Night, or Feeding a Crowd

Let’s talk versatility. This recipe is a dream for:

✅ Meal Prepping

Portion it into containers and keep in the fridge for 3–4 days. You can eat it cold or reheat in the microwave or a skillet.

✅ Casual Dinner with Friends

Serve it on a big platter, sprinkle with extra Parmesan and basil, and watch people dig in like it came from their favorite Italian spot.

✅ Date Night

Light some candles, pour a crisp white wine, and serve this pasta in shallow bowls with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It looks like you went all out—and only you’ll know how easy it really was.

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Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Want to save time or prep this in stages? Totally doable.

Make-Ahead Options:

• Chicken: Grill it up to 2 days in advance and store in the fridge.
• Tomato mixture: Sauté and refrigerate a day ahead. Just reheat before tossing with pasta.
• Full dish: Make the whole pasta and refrigerate. Add basil fresh before serving.

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• To reheat: Use a skillet with a splash of olive oil or microwave with a touch of water to loosen the pasta.

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FAQs – Everything You Might Wonder About

Can I use store-bought balsamic glaze?

Absolutely! It saves time and adds great flavor. If you prefer homemade, simmer balsamic vinegar until reduced by half and syrupy.

What if I don’t have cherry tomatoes?

No worries—chopped Roma or grape tomatoes work just fine. Just make sure they’re ripe and juicy.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken or grilled leftovers are a great time-saver. Just season slightly and warm before adding.

Is this dish spicy?

Not unless you add the red pepper flakes. You control the heat, so keep it mild or turn it up—it’s totally your call.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by using your favorite GF pasta. Everything else is naturally gluten-free.

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Pinterest-Worthy and Totally Shareable

Not only does this dish taste incredible, it’s gorgeous. The contrast of juicy tomatoes, grilled chicken, and fresh basil just pops.

It’s exactly the kind of dinner you’ll want to share—whether that’s on your table or on your Pinterest board.

📌 Save it now so you always have this quick, fresh dinner idea on hand.

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Final Thoughts – The Pasta That Never Disappoints

If you’ve ever looked at a bowl of pasta and thought, “I want something fresh, but still filling,” this Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is it.

It’s everything you love about bruschetta—garlicky tomatoes, fresh basil, that sweet-sour hit of balsamic—all wrapped into a comforting pasta bowl with juicy, golden grilled chicken on top.

It’s easy, it’s flexible, and it’s the kind of meal that satisfies without weighing you down.

So whether you’re hosting, meal prepping, or just cooking for yourself tonight—this dish delivers. Every single time.

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❤️ Let’s Keep Cooking Together!

Tried this Bruschetta Chicken Pasta?
We’d love to see your creation! Snap a photo, tag us, or leave a review. We’re all about sharing real food that’s beautiful, doable, and made with love.

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Until next time—keep the pasta boiling and the basil fresh. 🌿🍝✨

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