If you’re looking for an easy summer dinner that feels fresh, light, and full of flavor, this Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is the perfect recipe. Made with juicy seasoned chicken, cherry tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, balsamic vinegar, and mozzarella pearls, this one pot meal comes together in just 30 minutes and tastes like summer in a bowl.
This recipe combines all the flavors of classic bruschetta with tender pasta and savory chicken for a meal that feels comforting without being too heavy. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight dinner but delicious enough to serve when friends or family come over.
One of my favorite things about this dish is how fresh it tastes. The burst cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and balsamic drizzle create a bright and flavorful sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
Easy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1-1.5 pounds chicken breast, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 1/2 tsp salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 8 cloves cloves of garlic minced, divided
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar + some for drizzle
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped + some for garnish
- 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and continue cooking for another few minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Transfer the chicken to a separate bowl and lightly drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Toss to coat and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan used for the chicken.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Stir in the remaining 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the tomatoes become soft and lightly wilted.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar and 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the pan.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Stir in the mozzarella pearls.
- Top with additional fresh basil if desired and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor.
- Penne works especially well because the sauce gets inside the pasta.
- Do not overcook the tomatoes — you want them lightly softened, not mushy.
- Fresh mozzarella pearls make the dish creamy and delicious.
- Add extra balsamic glaze on top before serving for even more flavor.
What to Serve with Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
This pasta pairs perfectly with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Grilled vegetables
- Roasted asparagus
- A crisp summer salad
- White wine
Final Thoughts
This Easy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is one of those recipes that feels fancy while being incredibly simple to make. It’s fresh, flavorful, and perfect for busy summer evenings when you want something comforting without feeling too heavy.
Between the juicy chicken, sweet tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella pearls, every bite is packed with delicious flavor. Best of all, it comes together quickly in one pan for an easy dinner the whole family will love.