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A skillet of bruschetta chicken pasta with sliced chicken breast, fresh diced tomatoes, basil, and parmesan.

Zesty Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

This vibrant Bruschetta Chicken Pasta combines tender pan-seared chicken with a fresh tomato and basil bruschetta topping, tossed with al dente pasta for a light yet satisfying meal.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 620

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Bruschetta Topping
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
For the Pasta
  • 12 oz penne pasta or other short pasta
  • 2 tbsp butter unsalted
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (from cooking pasta)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife
  • Mixing bowls

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Bruschetta Topping
  1. In a separate medium bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, balsamic glaze (or vinegar), salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine and let it sit at room temperature while you prepare the pasta.
Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Assemble the Dish
  1. Return the large skillet (used for chicken) to medium heat. Add the cooked pasta, butter, and 1/4 cup of reserved pasta water. Stir well until the butter is melted and the pasta is lightly coated in a glossy sauce.
  2. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the pasta. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly distributed.
  3. Divide the pasta and chicken mixture among serving plates. Spoon a generous amount of the fresh bruschetta topping over each serving. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.

Notes

For an extra zing, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the bruschetta topping. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.