Grilled chicken, juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and a light pasta toss — the perfect summer meal.
Why This Dish Will Be Your New Favorite
This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is the perfect balance of:
- Grilled chicken packed with flavor
- Juicy cherry tomatoes bursting with freshness
- Herby basil that brightens every bite
- Penne pasta that soaks up the delicious flavors
It’s a light, refreshing meal that’s hearty but not heavy, making it ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a family dinner. This recipe is an instant hit with everyone who tries it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Fresh and Flavorful: The juicy tomatoes and basil bring an authentic bruschetta vibe to this pasta.
✅ High-Protein: Chicken and pasta make it a satisfying meal, packed with protein and carbs.
✅ Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes — perfect for a busy weeknight.
✅ Customizable: Can be made keto-friendly, gluten-free, or high-protein with easy swaps.
✅ Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for preparing ahead of time and storing in the fridge for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 2 breasts (about 1 lb) | Grilled or pan-seared |
| Penne pasta | 1 lb | Or use gluten-free or whole wheat pasta |
| Cherry tomatoes | 2 cups | Halved or quartered |
| Fresh basil | ¼ cup, chopped | Can sub with parsley if preferred |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | For grilling or cooking chicken |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | For seasoning the chicken |
| Balsamic vinegar | 1 tbsp | Optional, for drizzling on top |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ¼ cup | For garnish and extra flavor |
Optional Add-ins
| Add-in | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Red onion (sliced thin) | Adds a mild sweetness and crunch |
| Mozzarella (fresh or shredded) | Extra creaminess for the sauce |
| Red pepper flakes | Adds heat for a spicy kick |
| Zucchini or spinach | For added veggies |
| Pine nuts or walnuts | For crunch and texture |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat or on a grill.
- Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips or cubes.
2️⃣ Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente (usually about 8–10 minutes).
- Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for the sauce.
3️⃣ Prepare the Bruschetta Topping
- While the chicken cooks, slice the cherry tomatoes in half or quarters.
- Toss them in a bowl with fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and salt to taste. Set aside.
🧠 Tip: Let the tomatoes sit for a few minutes to release their juices, which will add a bit of natural sauce to the pasta.
4️⃣ Combine the Pasta & Chicken
- In a large mixing bowl or skillet, add the cooked penne pasta, the sliced grilled chicken, and the bruschetta mixture with tomatoes and basil.
- Toss everything together gently, adding a little reserved pasta water to help combine the ingredients and create a slight sauce.
- Drizzle with a small amount of balsamic vinegar (optional) for extra flavor.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
5️⃣ Serve
- Divide the pasta between bowls.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and extra fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheat
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge | 3–4 days | Store in an airtight container |
| Freezer | 2 months | Freeze individual portions, reheat in the microwave or on the stove with extra olive oil or broth |
| Reheat | Microwave or stovetop | Add a splash of olive oil or water to loosen the pasta |
Variations & Customizations
| Want This? | Do This: |
|---|---|
| Keto-friendly | Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash in place of pasta |
| Vegetarian | Skip the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers |
| Spicy | Add red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot sauce for a spicy twist |
| Extra cheesy | Stir in some mozzarella or cream cheese for a creamier pasta |
| Low-carb | Use cauliflower rice or shirataki noodles instead of pasta |
High-Protein Version
- Swap regular pasta for high-protein pasta (like chickpea or lentil pasta) to boost protein and fiber.
- Increase the chicken to 3 breasts or add shrimp or tofu for extra protein.
Protein per serving (high-protein version): 35g–40g per serving
Macros (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 400–450
- Protein: 30g–35g
- Carbs: 45g–50g
- Fat: 15g–20g
- Fiber: 4g–5g
High-protein version can add more protein by using high-protein pasta and increasing the chicken portion.