I love quick pasta meals, especially when they bring bright, fresh tastes to the table. Today, I’m sharing two fantastic bruschetta pasta recipes that you can whip up for easy weeknight dinners or light summer meals. They both use simple ingredients and promise lots of flavor without a lot of fuss.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty chicken pasta or a vegetarian option, I’ve got you covered. These recipes are perfect for busy days when you still want something delicious and homemade. Let’s get cooking!
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Easy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe For Quick Dinners
- 2. Easy Bruschetta Pasta Recipe For Summer
Easy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta for Quick Dinners
This bruschetta chicken pasta recipe is a full meal in one bowl. It’s great for those busy nights when you need something fast and satisfying for the whole family.
You’ll love how fresh tomatoes and basil come together with tender chicken and pasta for a complete and tasty dinner. I often make this when I want a healthy and fast meal.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Use Cooked Chicken: You can use leftover roasted chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time. Just shred or dice it.
- Fresh Basil: Don’t skip the fresh basil! It makes a big difference in the final taste of your bruschetta.
- Choose Your Pasta: Any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle works well here. Pick your favorite!
What You Need
- 8 ounces short pasta (like penne or rotini)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved, or 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for serving
⏱️ Time: 25 Minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 Servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook your chosen pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Make sure to save about half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta.
Step 2: Prepare the Bruschetta Mix
While the pasta is cooking, in a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes (or diced large tomatoes), minced garlic, fresh chopped basil, and olive oil. Season this mix with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it gently.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add the cooked chicken and the drained pasta to the bowl with the bruschetta mix. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated. If it seems a little dry, add a spoonful or two of the reserved pasta water to help create a light sauce.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Serve the bruschetta chicken pasta warm. Top each serving with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and, if you like, a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra taste.
📝 Final Note
This dish is best served fresh. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, but the tomatoes are best when they are just made.
Easy Bruschetta Pasta Recipe for Summer
When summer days call for something light and simple, this bruschetta pasta is my go-to. It’s a fresh, meatless meal that feels bright and satisfying without being heavy.
The star of this dish is the fresh tomato and basil topping that coats the pasta perfectly. It’s truly a taste of summer in every bite, and it’s so simple to make.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Quality Tomatoes: Use the best ripe tomatoes you can find. Ripe heirloom or garden tomatoes make this dish sing.
- Good Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the freshness. It’s worth it for this recipe.
- Garlic Power: Freshly minced garlic is important here. It brings a gentle kick without being too strong.
What You Need
- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- 3 cups ripe tomatoes, diced (about 3 medium tomatoes)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (optional, for brightness)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
⏱️ Time: 20 Minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 Servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Prep the Bruschetta Topping
In a large bowl, combine the diced ripe tomatoes, minced garlic, roughly chopped fresh basil, olive oil, and red wine vinegar (if using). Season generously with salt and black pepper. Stir everything together gently and let it sit at room temperature while you cook the pasta. This allows the tastes to blend.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Cook your spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Before draining, remember to reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water. This water is key for a good sauce texture.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Drain the pasta and add it directly to the bowl with your bruschetta topping. Add the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top.
📝 Final Note
For a cooler summer meal, you can let the dressed pasta sit for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the fresh tastes to deepen even more.
