Fresh and Flavorful Balsamic Pasta with Chicken
This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy, dizzyingly delicious dinner with an actual cook time of less than 15 minutes! Itโs a hypnotic blend of tangy balsamic, herbaceous basil and aromatic garlic with bright pops of blistered tomatoes and juicy balsamic chicken, bolstered with additional herbs and plenty of Parmesan cheese. Itโs a charming stress-free weeknight dinner that will instantly become a new favorite-itโs definitely one of ours! You can follow the Bruschetta Chicken Pasta recipe as written or add additional veggies such as bell peppers, asparagus, mushrooms, spinach, etc. because at the end of the day, itโs all about the sweet and tangy balsamic, basil, garlic sauce! Serve this easy chicken pasta recipe with strawberry spinach salad, baked Parmesan asparagus and Parmesan breadsticks for a complete meal the whole family will love!
Easy chicken pasta dinners are weeknight life savers we all need more of! Youโll love these easy winners: Creamy Basil Chicken and Orzo, Chicken Spaghetti, Chicken Parmesan Pasta, and Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta.
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You’ll love this delicious Chicken Bruschetta Pasta
You are going to go crazy over this Balsamic Chicken Pasta recipe!ย It is one of our favorite new recipes (and I make a lot of recipes) thatโs CRAZY flavorful, easy, and youโll love that itโs a fresh, vibrant departure from creamy pastas.ย It skips the butter, loads of cheese and heavy cream BUT is still extraordinarily delicious.
So, first of all, what exactly is Bruschetta Chicken Pasta?ย Bruschettaย in Italian means toastedย breadย with toppings.ย It has become synonymous with toastedย rustic bread, typically a French baguette or a country-style Italian loaf, topped with a mixture of chopped tomatoes, balsamic, basil, and garlic. In this chicken pasta recipe, the bread is replaced by pasta to still give you that carbohydrate hug and all of the bruschetta toppings are mixed directly into the pasta bathed in the BEST EVER balsamic sauce. ย ย
The intoxicating sweet and savory balsamic sauce is based off of my sensationalย balsamic chicken marinade and my balsamic chicken skillet. The sauce is made by quickly whisking together balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, honey,ย Dijon mustard, and Italian herbs and seasonings.ย Youโll toss the chicken in some of the sauce before cooking to tenderize and infuse it with flavor and use the rest of the vinaigrette for the pasta sauce.ย Thatโs it for prep!ย
To make the Bruschetta Chicken Pasta, you’ll sautรฉ the chicken, shallots, tomatoes, onions and garlic, until the tomatoes begin to burst, then add the balsamic sauce, pasta, fresh basil and Parmesan.ย ย After a quick simmer to thicken the sauce, every nook and cranny of the chicken pasta will be seeping with complex savory, tangy, slightly sweet, herbaceous notes that will have YOU craving this pasta!
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Ingredients
There are two main components to this Bruschetta Chicken Pasta: the balsamic sauce and the chicken and veggies.ย Hereโs what youโll need:
THE CHICKEN & VEGGIES:ย
THE BALSAMIC SAUCE:ย
What pan is best for Chicken Basil Tomato Pasta
Recipes with tomatoes should be cooked in a heavy bottomย stainless steelย pan.ย You may use a largeย cast-iron skilletย IF it is very well seasoned, otherwise the acid in the tomatoes will strip the pan.ย No matter what pan you use, you will want a take care your pan is large enough to accommodate the chicken and the pasta, or combine them in a larger pan.
How to make Chicken Bruschetta Pasta
This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is easy to make in just a few steps. ย Hereโs how to make it (see recipe card at the bottom of the post for full ingredient measurements):
- Step 1: Marinate the chicken. Whisk together the balsamic sauce. Place 2 tablespoons of the sauce in a zip-top bag or a large bowl. Add the chicken to the marinade and let marinate at room temperature while you bring the pasta water to a boil and cook the pasta OR you can place it in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours.
- Step 2: Cook the pasta. Cook the pasta al dente according to package directions in generously salted water. Remove 1 cup pasta water before draining to use later in the sauce if you need to thin it (you may not). Drain and rinse the pasta then toss it with a drizzle of the untouched balsamic sauce to prevent the pasta from sticking together; set aside.
- Step 3: Cook the chicken. Once the chicken has had time to soak up the tenderizing marinade, cook it in a large hot skillet. Cook until browned on all sides. Transfer to a plate.
- Step 4: Cook the tomatoes. Add the tomatoes, onions and garlic to the now empty skillet with a drizzle of oil. Cook until the tomatoes begin to burst, 5-8 minutes, stirring constantly and scraping up any brown bits on the bottom of the pan.
- Step 5: Thicken the sauce. Add the chicken back to the pan along with remaining sauce (not touched by the raw chicken). Simmer until slightly thickened and the chicken is cooked through, 1-2 minutes.
- Step 6: Combine. Stir in fresh basil and Parmesan. Stir in pasta until well coated, adding some reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to reach desired consistency. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan Cheese and additional basil if desired then dig in!
Balsamic Pasta Tips for Success
This chicken pasta recipe is pretty straightforward, but here are a few tips to ensure success every time:
Chicken Basil Tomato Pasta variations
Preparing Balsamic Chicken Pasta Ahead of Time
You can prepare individual components of this recipe in advance so when itโs dinnertime, the meal comes together in minutes.
โข Balsamic sauce:ย whisk the balsamic sauce ingredients together in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days ahead of time WITHOUT the chicken.ย ย
โข Pasta:ย cook pasta al dente (donโt overcook!), drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil or a drizzle of balsamic sauce if youโve prepped it already. Store pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. ย It will reheat in the sauce.
โข Chicken:ย cube the chicken and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.ย
โข Marinate chicken:ย add cubed chicken to 2 tablespoons of the balsamic sauce and marinate in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours.
โข Aromatics:ย chop the onions and garlic and store in separate containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.ย
โข Parmesan: grate the Parmesan cheese and store in the refrigerator in an airtight container until ready to use.
This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta makes a great make ahead meal because the sauce is oil based instead of dairy based so the pasta stays sleek and smooth.ย If you making the pasta specifically to reheat later, take extra care not to overcook the chicken (you may want larger pieces) so it doesnโt taste dry and cook the pasta al dente.
ย
What to serve with Balsamic Chicken Pasta
Enjoy this Bruschetta Chicken Pasta with a simple green salad or any one of the following sides:ย
โข Salad:ย ย we love a fresh, crunchy salad with this tangy chicken pasta recipe. ย Go with a simple green salad or more robustย Wedge Salad,ย Strawberry Broccoli Salad,ย Spinach Berry Salad,ย orย Green Bean Salad.
โข Veggies:ย this pasta pairs well with roasted or sautรฉed veggies such asRoasted Parmesan Broccoli,ย Roasted Parmesan Asparagusย orย Sautรฉed Brussels Sprouts with Garlic, Lemon, Butter.
โข Fruit:ย the chicken pasta is earthy, tangy and savory so it pairs well with bright fresh fruit such asย Creamy Grape Salad,ย ย Summer Fruit Salad,ย Perfect Fruit Salad,ย ย Tropical Fruit Saladย orย Berry Salad in Honey Mascarpone.
โข Bread:ย youโre going to want to mop up every last speck of that sauce withย Garlic Bread,ย Breadsticks,ย Dinner Rollsย orย Corn Bread.
Storing and Reheating Chicken Basil Tomato Pasta
โข Storage:ย store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
โข Microwave:ย heat for 1 minute then at 30 second intervals as needed.ย
โข Stove:ย reheat over medium heat, until warmed through.ย
How to freeze Bruschetta Pasta
Yes, unlike many pasta recipes, this recipe freezes well because it is not a dairy based sauce. The tomatoes will soften more once thawed, but still be delicious. You can also freeze the marinade/sauce or the chicken in the marinade separately.
โข To freeze chicken pasta: transfer pasta to a large freezer bag and squeeze out any excess air to prevent freezer burn.ย Label and freeze for up to 3 months.ย Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
โข To freeze chicken in marinade: Add the chicken to the marinade ingredients in a freezer-safe bag, squeeze out excess air and freeze for up to 3 months. When youโre ready to use, the chicken will marinate as you thaw the chicken in the refrigerator, then use immediately.
LOOKING FOR MORE CHicken pasta recipes?
- Chicken Lasagna: the ultimate comfort food! Itโs rich, satisfying, comforting, flavorful and boasts towering layers lasagna noodles, homemade chicken Alfredo sauce, creamy ricotta (with a secret trick) spiked with spinach and artichokes, and gooey mozzarella cheese.
- Blackened Chicken Alfredo: better than any restaurant! Juicy, Cajun spice rubbed chicken in a creamy Parmesan pasta on your table in 30 minutes.
- Million Dollar Chicken Alfredo Bake: hearty pasta gets tossed with luscious Alfredo sauce and juicy chicken then layered with a hidden layer of provolone cheese and sour cream that melts when baked for a ridiculous amount of velvety creamy, cheesy gooey goodness!
- Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta: a must have recipe for your easy dinner arsenal because all the ingredients are simmered in one pot – even the pasta! Itโs a vibrant, comforting dream dressed in a creamy yet light aromatic basil pesto sauce spiked with nutty Parmesan and lemon juice (without any heavy cream).
- Lemon Chicken Pasta: bursting with tender, juicy lemon basil chicken and garlic roasted vegetables tossed with lemon linguine, Parmesan, fresh herbs and garlic infused olive oil. Itโs a dance of bright, fresh lemon, kicking garlic and nutty Parmesan.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta: a 30-minute pasta loaded with juicy, flavorful chicken bathed in a luxuriously creamy-sun-dried tomato, Parmesan, garlic herb sauce.
- Chicken Spaghetti: juicy chicken and al dente spaghetti are enveloped in creamy homemade bechamel cheese sauce spiked with tomatoes, cheddar and Parmesan. Itโs sassy, saucy, cheesy, creamy addictive comfort food on your table in less than 30 minutes!
- Chicken Parmesan Pasta: astonishingly easy one pot wonder on your table in 30 minutes! Bite size seasoned chicken is sautรฉed then simmered WITH pasta, crushed tomatoes, and Italian seasonings all in one pot, so the pasta soaks up tons of flavor then is loaded with nutty Parmesan and pools of buttery mozzarella.
LOOKING FOR MORE EASY pasta recipes?
Cacio e Pepe
TikTok Feta Pasta
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Ground Beef Stroganoff
Rigatoni in Tomato Cream Sauce
Mushroom Pasta
Homemade Mac and Cheese
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Chicken Bruschetta Pasta
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Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound chicken breasts chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound thin spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 pints cherry/grape tomatoes
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 4-6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup packed basil, chopped
- ยฝ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Balsamic marinade/sauce
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tsp EACH dried basil, dried oregano, salt
- 1/2 tsp EACH dried parsley, pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Whisk together the Balsamic Marinade/Sauce ingredients. Transfer 2 tablespoons to a freezer safe bag or bowl with the chicken. Marinate at room temperature for 15-30 minutes or in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta al dente according to package directions in generously salted water. Remove 1 cup pasta water before draining. Drain and rinse the pasta, then toss with a drizzle the untouched balsamic sauce to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides, but not cooked through, transfer to a plate (it will finish cooking later in the sauce).
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in the chicken drippings. Add tomatoes, onions and garlic. Cook until the tomatoes begin to burst, 5-8 minutes, stirring constantly and scraping up any brown bits on the bottom of the pan.
- Add the chicken back to the pan along with remaining sauce (not touched by the raw chicken). Simmer until slightly thickened and the chicken is cooked through, 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in fresh basil and Parmesan. Stir in pasta until well coated, adding some reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to reach desired consistency. Taste and season with additional salt, pepper and/or red pepper flakes to taste.
- Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan Cheese and additional basil if desired
Notes
- Use a large heavy bottom skillet. ย A heavy bottom stainless steel skillet will conduct heat the very best which translates into beautifully seared proteins and an evenly cooked dinner. ย
- Chop the chicken large.ย Error on the side of chopping the chicken into larger pieces so it remains juicy and doesnโt easily overcook.
- Donโt over-marinate chicken.ย The balsamic vinegar and lemon juice are highly acidic so you donโt want to marinate the balsamic chicken for too long or the acid can break down the chicken and make it mushy, especially because it is chopped into smaller pieces.ย Marinate for four hours at most.
- Donโt cook chicken at too high of heat.ย The honey in the marinade will brown the outside of the chicken quickly, so I suggest using less heat than usual, especially if your stove runs hot. I use medium heat and it works perfectly with a stainless-steel skillet.
- Donโt overcook the pasta!ย I recommend testing your pasta about 2 or 3 minutes before the box recommends โ pasta should beย al denteย โ meaning it should still be a little firm in the center/have a โbiteโ to it.ย
- Adjust to taste.ย Every bottle of balsamic vinegar is different so it is important to adjust your finished Bruschetta Chicken Pasta to taste. If the chicken pasta tastes too strong, it likely needs to be balanced by some sugar. Instead of honey, which is harder to incorporate into the cooked skillet, I suggest sprinkling the skillet with brown sugar. If the balsamic chicken is too sweet, then add some acid with lemon juice or fruity tang with balsamic vinegar.
Make AHEAD
This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta makes a great make ahead meal because the sauce is oil based instead of dairy based so the pasta stays sleek and smooth.ย If you making the pasta specifically to reheat later, take extra care not to overcook the chicken (you may want larger pieces) so it doesnโt taste dry and cook the pasta al dente.Prep Ahead
You can prepare individual components of this recipe in advance so when itโs dinnertime, the meal comes together in minutes. ย- Balsamic sauce:ย whisk the balsamic sauce ingredients together in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days ahead of time WITHOUT the chicken.ย ย
- Pasta:ย cook pasta al dente (donโt overcook!), drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil or a drizzle of balsamic sauce if youโve prepped it already. Store pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. ย It will reheat in the sauce.
- Chicken:ย cube the chicken and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.ย
- Marinate chicken:ย add cubed chicken to 2 tablespoons of the balsamic sauce and marinate in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours.
- Aromatics:ย chop the onions and garlic and store in separate containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.ย
- Parmesan: grate the Parmesan cheese and store in the refrigerator in an airtight container until ready to use.
HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT
- To store: store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To freeze chicken pasta: transfer pasta to a large freezer bag and squeeze out any excess air to prevent freezer burn.ย Label and freeze for up to 3 months.ย Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- To reheat in the microwave: heat for 1 minute then at 30 second intervals as needed.ย
- To reheat on the stove:ย reheat over medium heat, until warmed through.ย
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Leave a Review, I Always Love Hearing From You!
Ramya says
Will be making all soon for this pasta can i use mushrooms and vegan cheese as am a vegan i love pasta sooooooooooooooo much perfect for my after office meals will dm you if i make all and let you know how it goes Thanks Ramya
Jen says
Thanks Ramya, enjoy!
CAROL says
Delicious! Had to pour off some of the natural chicken juice to get the chicken to brown up, Five stars…very tasty!
Jen says
Thanks so much Carol, I’m so pleased you enjoyed it!
Sari Juett says
I was looking for a recipe that I could use leftover smoked chicken with. This recipe far exceeded all expectations. I used the marinade over the cooked pasta, while cooking the tomatoes, and when adding the chicken to the dish. Also added mushrooms and that was delicious. This will definitely be made again! Thanks for an outstanding dinner to use up leftovers!
Jen says
Thank you so much for the glowing review Sari, I’m thrilled this recipe was a hit!
Beth says
Hi! I love all your recipes.
I need to make this for a meal train. It will be made the day before. How can I provide it to the family and give them heating instructions?
Should I keep the pasta separate from the chicken once cooked? Then have them warm the sauce/chicken in the stovetop and pasta separately? Or do you think if I mix all together is will be dried out the next day? And then how to heat it if I mix all together. They donโt use microwave. Thanks for the tips!
Jen says
Hi Beth, thank you for trying so many of the recipes! This pasta can all be mixed together ahead of time and then reheated together over medium heat, until warmed through. I think if the chicken is chopped in big enough pieces, you shouldn’t have a problem with it drying out! Hope this helps!