Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is my go-to weeknight dinner—fast, bright, and crowd-pleasing. I juggle long days as a professional chef. I’ve learned to build flavor quickly without sacrificing freshness. This skillet dish delivers juicy chicken, sweet cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and al dente pasta. All in about 30 minutes. Busy moms and professionals can serve something comforting and delicious. The recipe was born from a desire to keep weeknights joyful with doable, restaurant-worthy flavor. Read on to see how this skillet dinner can become your weeknight ally, with practical tips for busy households and quick-kitchen efficiency. I built it for weeknights when I want restaurant flavor without chaos. It tastes like summer and gives busy kitchens a graceful finish. It’s quick, comforting, and kind to your week.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
what make this Bruschetta Chicken Pasta special
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta shines in busy weeks because it feels like a tiny celebration with little chaos. A handful of honest ingredients become a bright skillet dinner that smells like summer at the stove. When I juggle meetings and school pickups, this recipe delivers flavor in under 30 minutes. Juicy chicken and sweet tomatoes meet basil and garlic with pasta in a light, sunny sauce. Its freshness feels like summer on a skillet, and cleanup is a breeze. That balance—comfort, speed, and flavor—keeps weeknights from tipping into chaos.

A quick, flavorful weeknight handshake
Think of it as a friendly handshake after a long day. Bright tomatoes, garlic, and basil wake the senses. It feels cozy, quick, and restaurant-worthy in minutes.
Why this dish fits a busy schedule
One-pan cooking keeps cleanup quick and time under 30 minutes. Prep and simmer overlap, so you’re not chasing steps. It’s forgiving and family-friendly, with room to customize.
Ingredients Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta speeds into my weeknights with sunshine in a skillet. I keep it simple, bright, and budget-friendly. That Bruschetta Chicken Pasta starts with juicy chicken, bright tomatoes, and fragrant basil. The result is restaurant-worthy flavor in under 30 minutes.
Here are the core ingredients with exact measurements. I include optional tweaks and source tips. Exact quantities are at the bottom of the article and printable.
- 500 g boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
- 250 g pasta of choice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
Core ingredients at a glance
- Protein: chicken breast (500 g)
- Pasta: 250 g
- Olive oil for savor and sheen
- Aromatics: garlic and fresh basil
- Veg: cherry tomatoes
- Herbs & seasoning: oregano, salt, pepper
- Finish: Parmesan cheese and chicken broth

Short notes on substitutions and timing
- Substitutions: use gluten-free pasta; dairy-free option is omit Parmesan or swap nutritional yeast.
- Heat: add red pepper flakes with garlic for a quick kick.
- Pasta choices: any pasta shape works; shapes affect timing slightly.
- Tomatoes: grape tomatoes are a fine substitute for cherry tomatoes.
- Flavor tweaks: a squeeze of lemon brightens the sauce just before serving.
- Timing tips: garlic goes in after chicken browns to avoid bitterness; basil off the heat preserves aroma.
- Source tips: choose ripe, juicy tomatoes and fresh basil for maximum fragrance.
How to Make Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Step 1 – Prep and boil the pasta
For Bruschetta Chicken Pasta, fill a large pot with salted water. Set it on high heat until it boils. A rolling boil helps pasta cook evenly.
Stir in pasta and cook until al dente. Check the package timing. Reserve a splash of pasta water, then drain.
Step 2 – Brown the chicken
Warm a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano. Cook until browned and juices run clear.
Let the chicken rest briefly, then slice if needed. Juices stay in for a juicy finish.
Step 3 – Sauté garlic and tomatoes
In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Avoid browning garlic; it should smell warm and inviting.
Toss in cherry tomatoes and stir, letting them soften. The tomatoes release juice and brighten the sauce.
Step 4 – Simmer with broth
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce a bit to concentrate flavor. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
If you prefer a lighter sauce, use less broth. The sauce should coat pasta with a glossy sheen. Taste before adding pasta to adjust seasoning.
Step 5 – Fold in pasta, basil, and cheese
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat Bruschetta Chicken Pasta. The noodles drink in the garlic-tomato basil bath. Stir in chopped basil and warm through.
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts. If the sauce seems dry, splash in a bit of pasta water. Taste and adjust salt before serving.

Step 6 – Finish and plate
Taste and tweak seasoning, adding pepper or lemon if desired. Bruschetta Chicken Pasta stays bright and flavorful.
Serve with a simple green salad or crusty bread. Leftovers reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth.
Tips for Success
Quick efficiency hacks
- Prep ingredients ahead to speed assembly.
- I dice chicken and mince garlic before heating.
- Use a single skillet to save time on cleanup.
- Reserve pasta water; it helps when sauce dries.
- Stir basil off heat for full aroma.
Flavor boosters you can add
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for a quick kick.
- A squeeze of lemon brightens the sauce.
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds depth.
- Freshly grated parmesan at the end boosts umami.
Equipment Needed
Staples and smart substitutes
- I rely on a 12-inch skillet for one-pan cooking.
- Colander, tongs, and a silicone spatula speed prep.
- A garlic press and measuring spoons keep things steady.
One-pan workflow tips
- I brown chicken first, then push it aside to finish in the same pan.
- I reserve a splash of pasta water to loosen sauce.
Variations
Gluten-free and alternative pastas
- Use gluten-free pasta of choice; check packaging for al dente timing.
- I often reach for chickpea, lentil, or brown rice pasta for more protein and fiber.
- For lighter meals, skip cheese or use nutritional yeast.
Heat tweak and spice options
- I love adding red pepper flakes for a quick kick with garlic.
- Smoked paprika adds depth without heavy heat.
- Swap half the broth for a splash of white wine for nuance.
- Finish with lemon zest to brighten the dish just before serving.
Dairy-light or dairy-free finishing
- Omit Parmesan or swap with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free finish.
- Vegan Parmesan is a tasty alternative if you want cheesy notes.
- For extra creaminess without dairy, blend silken tofu into the broth.
- Use olive oil or dairy-free butter to finish for richness.
- Keep cheese to a minimum; a little goes a long way.
Why You’ll Love This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
It keeps weeknights tasty without the stress
When the clock is ticking, this Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is a trusted ally. In about 30 minutes, I serve bright tomato, basil, garlic, and juicy chicken with pasta. It tastes like a vacation in a skillet.
A balanced plate that travels well to leftovers
This one-pan dish keeps protein, carbs, and veggies in harmony. Leftovers reheat easily on the stove or in the microwave without losing flavor. I often pack it for lunches, and it still tastes fresh.
Serving Suggestions
Complementary sides and drinks
- Crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
- A light white wine, like Pinot Grigio, or sparkling water with lemon.
Plating and presentation tips
- Serve in warm bowls, top with extra basil and Parmesan shavings.
- Garnish with a halved cherry tomato for color.
- Slice chicken into medallions for a restaurant vibe.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep for Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep for Bruschetta Chicken Pasta keeps weeknights calm. I plan ahead in small bursts, so flavors stay bright. When I prep upfront, the dinner rush never wins.
Prepping components vs. full meals
Prepping components gives you flexibility with speed. I batch chop garlic, basil, and tomatoes on Sunday. Store them separate from cooked chicken and pasta for fresh assembly.
Chicken can be seasoned and kept ready to sear in minutes. Cook pasta to al dente but not mushy if you plan to reheat. This keeps Bruschetta Chicken Pasta tasting bright after a busy day.
Sometimes I assemble full meals in meal-size containers. I keep the sauce base and protein together or separate depending on space. Label with date and notes so I know what’s ready.
Storage, reheating, and serving timing
Leftovers stay fresh up to three days in the fridge. Store components in airtight containers to maintain brightness. For best texture, reheat on the stove with a splash of broth; skip the microwave if possible.
Plan serving timing: reheat just before serving for the best texture. Stir in fresh basil at the end for aroma. Add extra Parmesan if desired.
If you want even longer ahead prep, freeze pre-cooked chicken in portion-sized bags. Thaw in the fridge overnight and rewarm with broth. Label again and use within a month for best flavor.
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta FAQs
Here are common questions I get about Bruschetta Chicken Pasta, answered from my kitchen for real weeknights.
Can I use any pasta shape for Bruschetta Chicken Pasta?
Yes. I use whatever pasta shape I have on hand. Spaghetti, penne, rotini—these all work with Bruschetta Chicken Pasta.
Cook to al dente according to the package and taste. If you choose long shapes, toss gently so the sauce clings; shorter shapes catch more sauce for a saucy bite.
Can I make this gluten-free or dairy-free?
Absolutely. For gluten-free, swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and follow package directions.
For dairy-free, omit Parmesan or swap in nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative. The sauce stays bright without dairy while still tasting delicious.
How do I prevent the tomatoes from making the dish too watery?
Use ripe, juicy tomatoes and let the sauce simmer a bit to reduce excess liquid. A gentle simmer concentrates the flavors and thickens the sauce.
Finish with a splash of pasta water if needed and taste before serving. Fresh basil off the heat keeps the aroma vibrant.
How long do leftovers keep and how best to reheat?
Leftovers keep up to 3 days in the fridge. Store components separately for the best texture when reheating.
Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth or water, stirring gently until hot. A quick reheat helps maintain the pasta’s bite and the sauce’s brightness.
Final Thoughts
Recap of why this skillet shines
This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta delivers restaurant-worthy flavor in under 30 minutes. I love how juicy chicken meets sweet cherry tomatoes, basil, and garlic in one skillet. The sauce comes together with broth and Parmesan, then clings to pasta with a sunny lift.
It’s forgiving for busy weeknights and reheats nicely with a splash of broth. That flexibility makes weeknights calmer and meals more joyful.
Encouragement to make it your weeknight staple
Give it a try this week. I reach for Bruschetta Chicken Pasta when I need comfort fast without sacrificing freshness. Make it your weeknight staple and watch it become a forgiving, family-pleasing anchor.
Print
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Delivers 30-Minute Ultimate Taste.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta: a fresh, vibrant, and Italian-inspired skillet dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes. Juicy chicken, sweet cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and tender pasta mingle in a light, zesty sauce for a weeknight favorite that tastes like summer in every bite.
Ingredients
- 500 g boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
- 250 g pasta of choice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and oregano, and cook until golden and cooked through.
- Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften and release their juices.
- Pour in chicken broth and let simmer for a few minutes.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Stir in fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.
Notes
- Tip: Use any pasta shape you prefer; cook times may vary slightly for different shapes.
- Gluten-free option: substitute with gluten-free pasta.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Leftovers refrigerate well for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth if needed.
- To make it lighter, reduce Parmesan or use a lighter cheese alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet (One-Pan)
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 570 kcal
- Sugar: Approximately 6 g
- Sodium: Approximately 800 mg
- Fat: Approximately 11 g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 49 g
- Fiber: Approximately 4 g
- Protein: Approximately 40 g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 120 mg
Keywords: Bruschetta Chicken Pasta, easy Italian pasta, 30-minute dinner, one-pan pasta, chicken pasta, bruschetta chicken, garlic tomato basil pasta, weeknight dinner