Indulge in the flavors of Italy with my mouthwatering Bruschetta Chicken Pasta recipe! With juicy grilled chicken breast, a homemade tomato sauce with aromatic fresh basil, all mixed with freshly made pasta. This dish is a culinary journey you won’t want to miss.
I’ve been making this bruschetta chicken pasta for over a decade now. It first started thanks to my love for homemade bruschetta. This recipe came about because one day I had an abundance of leftover bruschetta, so I mixed it into pasta to use it up. I was in love instantly as was my husband. It also reminded me of TGI Friday’s bruschetta chicken pasta.
Once I realized this was a winning dish–I started entertaining with the bruschetta pasta. Family and friends all raved, and I knew this was a winning recipe. Whether you are looking for a delicious weeknight dinner or to entertain a crowd this flavorful Italian pasta dish will be your new go-to!
Jump to:
Why this Recipe Works
- A Taste of Italy at Home: If you’re longing for a taste of Italy but can’t make the trip, this recipe is your passport to Italian cuisine. The combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors will transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Rome.
- Quick and Easy: Don’t be fooled by the gourmet appeal of this dish; it’s surprisingly easy to make. With a few simple steps, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable and Versatile: Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is highly customizable. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer gluten-free pasta, want to add extra vegetables, or prefer a spicier kick, this recipe can easily be adapted to your liking.
Ingredients
- Chicken – I like to use boneless skinless chicken breast for this recipe.
- Seasoning – This base flavor of this recipe comes from McCormick Grill Mates® Roasted Garlic & Herb Seasoning. Without this seasoning the flavors will just not be there. So do yourself a favor, go find it in the spice aisle at your local grocery store.
- Oil – The olive oil is needed to lightly coat the chicken and also the base for the sauce.
- Butter – A few pat of butter make the sauce a little creamy.
- Tomatoes – I love to use plum tomatoes for this recipe. They seem to hold their texture and shape.
- Garlic – A few cloves bring out all the Italian flavors.
- Lemon – A splash of acidity brings
- Basil – Fresh basil, sliced very thin is mixed in at the end to bring out the flavors.
- Pasta – I prefer to use homemade pasta for this recipe. However, any pasta works. If you can’t make it homemade you can always buy the refrigerated pasta. It tastes just as good.
How to Grill Chicken Breast
Pre-heat grill to medium-high heat. Clean grill well then reduce grill to medium heat.
While the grill is pre-heating, in a zip top bag add chicken breast, Roasted Garlic & Herb Seasoning, and olive oil. Seal bag and mix well until the chicken has been coated with the seasoning.
Place on the grill and cook for 12 minutes (turning once in between). Using a thermometer, make sure the internal temperature reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove chicken from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice chicken at a diagonal.
Bruschetta Pasta
In a large skillet add olive oil, butter, and garlic to the skillet. Head on medium-high heat for 1 minute. Then add the diced plum tomatoes. Reduce heat to medium and sauté for 5 minutes.
Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, roasted garlic & herb seasoning and cook for 2 additional minutes.
Toss cooked pasta into the sauce and cook for one additional minute. Before plating, add fresh basil leaves. Mix well, and then divide the pasta amongst four plates. Add half a chicken breast on top of each plate of pasta and enjoy!
FAQs
Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts. They’re juicier and have a slightly richer flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.
Yes, you can. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To make it vegan, skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
For this bruschetta pasta I prefer to use spaghetti. However, you can use your favorite type of pasta for this recipe. Penne, linguini, or even whole wheat pasta all work well. Choose the pasta shape that you love the most.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks when I make bruschetta chicken pasta.
- Season the Chicken 0 Season your chicken breasts generously with the McCormick Grill Mates® Roasted Garlic & Herb Seasoning before cooking. If you can let it marinate for a few hours prior, that’s even better. This seasoning blend makes the dish complete.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, ripe tomatoes, basil, lemon, and olive oil will make a noticeable difference in the taste of your bruschetta topping.
- Don’t Overcook the Tomatoes: When making the bruschetta topping, be careful not to overcook the tomatoes. You want them to soften slightly and release their juices but still maintain some texture.
- Garnish Right Before Serving: Add the fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese just before serving to keep the flavors and textures vibrant.
- Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs in the bruschetta mixture. Basil is a classic choice, but oregano, parsley, or even a hint of thyme can provide a unique twist.
- Gluten Free: Make this gluten free by swapping in gluten-free pasta if needed.
With these tips and reasons in mind, you’re ready to embark on a culinary adventure with our Bruschetta Chicken Pasta recipe. Whether you’re an Italian cuisine enthusiast or simply looking for a delicious and quick meal, this dish will undoubtedly become a family favorite. Buon appetito!
Easy Pasta Recipes
Looking for more delicious pasta recipes? Check out a few more of my favorite pasta recipes.
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Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- 1 Grill
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Cutting Board
- Serrated Knife
- 12-inch Skillet
- Sauce Pot
- Stove Top
Ingredients
For The Chicken
- 2 Chicken Breast
- 2 tablespoons McCormick Grill Mates® Roasted Garlic & Herb Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
For The Pasta
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 cups Diced Plum Tomatoes 4 tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest
- Half Lemon juiced
- 1 tablespoon McCormick Grill Mates® Roasted Garlic & Herb Seasoning
- 4 cups Homemade Spaghetti
- 15 Basil Leaves Chiffonade
Instructions
For the Chicken:
- Pre-heat grill to medium-high heat. Clean grill well then reduce grill to medium heat.
- While the grill is pre-heating, in a zip top bag add chicken breast, Roasted Garlic & Herb Seasoning, and olive oil. Seal bag and mix well until the chicken has been coated with the seasoning.
- Place on the grill and cook for 12 minutes (turning once in between). Using a thermometer, make sure the internal temperature reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove chicken from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice chicken at a diagonal.
For the Pasta:
- In a large skillet add olive oil, butter, and garlic to the skillet. Head on medium-high heat for 1 minute. Then add the diced plum tomatoes. Reduce heat to medium and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, roasted garlic & herb seasoning and cook for 2 additional minutes.
- Toss cooked pasta into the sauce and cook for one additional minute. Before plating, add fresh basil leaves. Mix well, and then divide the pasta amongst four plates. Add half a chicken breast on top of each plate of pasta and enjoy!
Notes
- Season the Chicken 0 Season your chicken breasts generously with the McCormick Grill Mates® Roasted Garlic & Herb Seasoning before cooking. If you can let it marinate for a few hours prior, that’s even better. This seasoning blend makes the dish complete.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, ripe tomatoes, basil, lemon, and olive oil will make a noticeable difference in the taste of your bruschetta topping.
- Don’t Overcook the Tomatoes: When making the bruschetta topping, be careful not to overcook the tomatoes. You want them to soften slightly and release their juices but still maintain some texture.
- Garnish Right Before Serving: Add the fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese just before serving to keep the flavors and textures vibrant.
- Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs in the bruschetta mixture. Basil is a classic choice, but oregano, parsley, or even a hint of thyme can provide a unique twist.
- Gluten Free: Make this gluten free by swapping in gluten-free pasta if needed.
Trilby Bias
I have all the ingredients to make this except for the McCormick Grill Mates® Roasted Garlic & Herb Seasoning. What seasonings could I use instead?
Katie
Hi Trillby–not sure the McCormick Grill Mates® Roasted Garlic & Herb Seasoning really makes this dish. I would say hold off making it until you can get to the store to pick up the seasoning. You could always do a little garlic powder, but not sure about any of the other seasonings. good luck.
Cheryl @ That's What Che Said...
This looks amazing! Bruschetta Chicken and Lemon Chicken are my faves! My taste buds just exploded when I read that you combined the two! Can’t wait to try it, found you on pinterest! xo – Cheryl
Katie
Thanks Cheryl! We love this recipe in my house!
Alicia
This was amazing and so easy! I’m on a dairy-free soy-free diet right now so I omitted the butter and just used extra olive oil. My hubby and I loved it and my three year old was asking for seconds. So delicious. Thanks for sharing!
Katie
Alicia, so happy to read that your family enjoyed it!
Cristy
I made this tonight and it was amazing! My husband and daughter love it as well!
Katie
Christy, I’m so happy to read this! I love making this light pasta dish!!!
Barb @ FL Mom's Blog
Thanks for sharing the great looking and sounding recipe: bookmarked and printed it!
Nutmeg Nanny
Oh this looks wonderful! The perfect summer pasta dish 🙂
Jessica@AKitchenAddiction
What an amazing pasta dish! Love these flavors!
steph@stephsbitebybite
This sounds so refreshing! Pasta in summertime! Perfect!!
Katie
Thanks!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com
A great summer pasta!! Love the colors on the palate, Katie 🙂
Katie
Thanks Kiran!
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen
oooh that looks like a refreshing, filling dinner!
Ashley Bee (Quarter Life Crisis Cuisine)
I was trying to come up with a recipe like this, but you beat me to it! Hah.
Katie
Oh Ashley–enjoy and then make it your own with some other ingredients!!!
Jen @ Savory Simple
This is what summer is all about! I love these flavors.
Suzanne
For me it’s pasta. I could eat bowls, and bowls of it. Especially this pasta, looks delicious!
Katie
Just so happened I have everything to make it tonight for dinner, very tasty! We will definetly be making this again!
Katie
Thanks for stopping by and making the recipe, Katie! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Nikki @Seeded at the Table
Oh wow, Katie, this pasta dish sounds fabulous! Plus, beautiful colors to boot!
Katie
Thanks Nikki!
cassie
I love these flavors. what a great summer meal!
Katie
Perfect pasta dish for summer!
Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough
Mmm, looks so refreshing and comforting and yummy! I WANT.
Katie
Yes, you must make it soon! Refreshing+comforting=bliss!
Stacy | Wicked Good Kitchen
Looks delicious, Katie! One of my favorite dishes!
Megan{Country Cleaver}
Homemade spaghetti, lemony goodness. Girl you are after my heart!! Love it!
Katie
Ha ha thanks Megan!
Meagan @ A Zesty Bite
This pasta with the chicken looks so good.
Katie
Thanks Meagan! It’s so comforting and yet “light”!