Garlic Herb Chicken Pasta with Fresh Tomato Bruschetta

Garlic Herb Chicken Pasta with Fresh Tomato Bruschetta is a light yet flavorful dish that blends tender chicken, juicy cherry tomatoes, garlic, and basil into a perfect weeknight meal. This pasta captures the essence of classic Italian bruschetta and transforms it into a hearty, satisfying entrée that comes together quickly and tastes like summer on a plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how fresh and vibrant this pasta tastes. The combination of sweet tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and fresh basil pairs beautifully with seasoned chicken and tender pasta. It’s an elegant yet easy dish I can pull together on a busy night, but it’s impressive enough for guests, too. I especially like that it doesn’t rely on heavy sauces—it lets the simple ingredients shine.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts

• Olive oil

• Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper

• Garlic cloves

• Cherry or grape tomatoes

• Fresh basil leaves

• Balsamic vinegar

• Pasta (such as penne or spaghetti)

• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

1. I season the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then cook it in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden and cooked through. I set it aside to rest before slicing.

2. I boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set it aside.

3. While the pasta cooks, I prepare the bruschetta topping by sautéing garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then adding halved cherry tomatoes and cooking just until they begin to soften.

4. I toss the cooked pasta with the tomato mixture, then add balsamic vinegar and sliced basil for brightness.

5. I top the pasta with the sliced chicken and sprinkle with Parmesan if I’m feeling indulgent.

6. I serve it warm, optionally drizzling with more olive oil or balsamic glaze for extra flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. The total prep and cook time is approximately 30 minutes—perfect for a fast but flavorful dinner.

Variations

When I want to mix it up, I add mozzarella pearls or goat cheese for creaminess. Sometimes I swap the chicken for grilled shrimp or use zucchini noodles instead of pasta for a low-carb version. For extra richness, I drizzle in a bit of garlic butter just before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat it in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce. I don’t recommend freezing this dish due to the fresh tomato and basil, which lose their texture.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

I prefer fresh cherry or grape tomatoes for their sweetness and texture, but in a pinch, I use canned diced tomatoes—just drain them first.

What kind of pasta works best for this?

I usually go with penne or spaghetti, but any pasta that holds the sauce will work—fusilli and farfalle are great, too.

Is this dish good for meal prep?

It is! I store the pasta and chicken separately from the tomato topping and combine them when reheating for best flavor and texture.

Can I grill the chicken instead?

Yes, grilled chicken adds a wonderful smoky flavor. I season it the same way and slice it thin after cooking.

How can I make this vegetarian?

I skip the chicken and add white beans or grilled eggplant instead. It’s still hearty and just as satisfying.

Conclusion

Garlic Herb Chicken Pasta with Fresh Tomato Bruschetta is everything I want in a fresh, easy dinner—quick, flavorful, and full of color. It’s one of those recipes I keep in my rotation because it never fails to impress while being surprisingly simple. Whether I’m serving family, friends, or just myself, this pasta always feels like a little celebration.

Garlic Herb Chicken Pasta with Fresh Tomato Bruschetta

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• Author: Linda
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Garlic Herb Chicken Pasta with Fresh Tomato Bruschetta is a fresh and flavorful weeknight dinner that transforms classic bruschetta into a vibrant pasta dish. With seasoned chicken, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic basil, this light yet satisfying entrée is packed with summer-inspired ingredients and ready in just 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 8 ounces pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden and fully cooked (about 6–7 minutes per side). Let rest, then slice.

3. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, heat remaining olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.

5. Add tomatoes and cook just until they begin to soften, about 3–4 minutes.

6. Toss pasta with tomato mixture. Stir in balsamic vinegar and fresh basil.

7. Plate the pasta and top with sliced chicken. Add Parmesan if desired.

8. Drizzle with additional olive oil or balsamic glaze for extra flavor before serving.

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Notes

• Add mozzarella pearls or goat cheese for creaminess.
• Swap chicken for grilled shrimp or a vegetarian protein like white beans.
• Use zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb alternative.
• For extra richness, drizzle with garlic butter before serving.