I love this recipe so much, and I think you will too. This Healthy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta for a Nutritious Meal is everything I want in a weeknight dinner, fresh, fast, and packed with flavor. It’s the kind of meal that looks fancy, but comes together with simple ingredients I usually already have on hand.
The grilled chicken is juicy, the cherry tomatoes get all sweet and blistered in the pan, and that little splash of balsamic? Pure magic. Add a handful of fresh basil, and you’ve got this beautiful, bright pasta that tastes like it came from a cozy little café, not my messy kitchen at 6 p.m. with the kids tugging on my apron.
It’s lighter than a typical creamy chicken pasta, but still comforting and hearty. Perfect when you’re craving something satisfying but want to keep things on the healthy side. We’ve made it a dozen times and it never lasts long!
Ingredients for Healthy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta for a Nutritious Meal
To make this fresh and flavorful dinner, you’ll need:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts – juicy and protein-packed
- 8 oz whole grain or high-protein pasta – penne, rotini, or your favorite
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes – halved for that sweet, juicy pop
- 3 garlic cloves – minced for bold flavor
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – to sauté and bring richness
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar – adds a sweet tangy glaze
- ¼ cup fresh basil – chopped, for that garden-fresh brightness
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan – optional, but brings salty goodness
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Red pepper flakes – optional, for a little kick
🍝 Use colorful cherry tomatoes and fresh basil to make this dish extra vibrant on the plate, a total Pinterest star.
How to Make Healthy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
1. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season and cook the chicken
Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Let it rest, then slice into strips.
3. Make the bruschetta topping
In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in cherry tomatoes and sauté until soft and blistered, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Toss everything together
Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss gently to coat with the tomato mixture. Stir in fresh basil and top with Parmesan if using.
Serving Suggestions for Healthy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta for a Nutritious Meal
This dish is a full meal on its own, but here are a few simple sides to round it out beautifully:
- Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette
- Add a slice of garlic bread or toasted whole-grain baguette
- Pair with grilled zucchini or steamed broccoli for extra veg
- A light sparkling water with lemon makes a refreshing drink
It’s great for a cozy family dinner, but also perfect for lunch meal prep or even a casual dinner party with friends.
For more sweet-and-savory pasta combos, try my Easy Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe for Dinner, it’s quick and kid-approved.
Variations & Customization Ideas
Make this recipe your own! Here are some easy swaps and upgrades:
- Swap the chicken: Use shrimp, salmon, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version
- Try zucchini noodles for a low-carb, gluten-free option
- Make it creamy: Stir in a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt or light cream cheese
- Add extra veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or roasted mushrooms
- Spice it up with extra red pepper flakes or a Cajun seasoning twist (great for fans of Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta!)
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers? Lucky you.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop
- Add a splash of broth or olive oil to refresh the pasta and keep it moist
Pro Tips for the Best Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
- Don’t overcook the pasta – al dente is key for texture
- Let the chicken rest before slicing so it stays juicy
- Use ripe cherry tomatoes for maximum sweetness and flavor
- Fresh basil matters – dried just doesn’t do the same magic
Love garlic-forward dishes? You’ll probably enjoy my Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta recipe, it’s rich, cozy, and full of flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the balsamic – it’s a small amount but gives the dish its signature flavor
- Overcrowding the pan when cooking chicken – cook in batches if needed
- Using dry herbs instead of fresh basil – trust me, it makes a difference
- Forgetting to season – a pinch of salt and pepper at each step goes a long way
Conclusion
This Healthy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta for a Nutritious Meal is one of those dinners I turn to when I want something easy, fresh, and totally satisfying. It’s full of color, big on flavor, and always a hit around our table. Whether you’re trying to eat better or just need a break from heavy pasta sauces, this one’s going to be your new favorite.
📌 Pin this recipe for busy weeknights or your next meal prep day. Trust me, your future self will thank you!
Healthy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta for a Nutritious Meal
A light and flavorful pasta dish made with grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, basil, and balsamic.
Ingredients
Instructions
Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.Season and cook the chicken
Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat (about 175°C). Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Let it rest, then slice thinly.Sauté garlic and tomatoes
In the same skillet, add remaining tablespoon olive oil. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and blistered. Stir in balsamic vinegar and season lightly with salt and pepper.Combine pasta, chicken, and tomato mixture
Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss gently to combine. Stir in chopped fresh basil.Serve
Sprinkle with shredded Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Serving Size 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 420kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 14g22%
- Saturated Fat 3.5g18%
- Cholesterol 75mg25%
- Sodium 230mg10%
- Potassium 620mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 38g13%
- Dietary Fiber 6g24%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 32g64%
- Vitamin A 302 IU
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to make this even faster on busy nights.
- Swap pasta types freely, gluten-free, chickpea, lentil, or zucchini noodles all work great.
- Fresh basil is key for flavor. If using dried, reduce to 1 teaspoon (but fresh is best!).
- Make it creamy by stirring in a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt or light cream cheese after combining.
- Double the tomatoes if you love extra sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if it looks too dry.
- Want more protein? Add white beans, grilled shrimp, or top with a fried egg.
- To meal prep: Store chicken, pasta, and tomato mixture separately, then combine and reheat for best results.
- Add leafy greens like spinach or arugula at the end for a nutrition boost.
