If there’s one dish I pull out to impress guests or satisfy my own weeknight cravings, it’s Skillet Bruschetta Chicken Pasta. Picture everything you love about fresh bruschetta—the juicy burst of tomatoes, the aromatic basil, the garlicky olive oil—swirled together with tender chicken and bow tie pasta, then finished with a sweet tangy balsamic glaze and a shower of parmesan. It’s quick enough for busy evenings, yet feels special enough for entertaining, capturing all the colors and flavors of summer in one beautiful skillet.

Skillet Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Skillet Bruschetta Chicken Pasta comes together with a handful of fresh, simple staples—but each ingredient does some serious heavy-lifting for flavor, texture, and color. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this vibrant dish to life.

Bow Tie Pasta: The playful shape is perfect for holding onto the tomato sauce and little bits of chicken in each bite.
Roma Tomatoes: These provide firm flesh and a sweet-tangy flavor that’s classic in bruschetta.
Fresh Basil Leaves: Torn right before adding, basil releases an intoxicating aroma and lemony-bright taste.
Olive Oil: Use good-quality olive oil for both sautéing and tossing—it’s the backbone of the sauce.
Salt & Pepper: Seasonings are simple but crucial to let each ingredient shine.
Garlic: Just a touch adds warmth and classic Italian depth to the tomato mixture.
Chicken Breasts: Diced for quick, even cooking and tender bites of protein.
Tomato Sauce: A little tomato sauce ties the pasta together and adds silky richness.
Balsamic Vinegar: Reduced into a syrupy glaze, this creates that irresistible sweet-savory finish.
White Sugar: Just enough to balance the acidity of the balsamic reduction.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated on top for a salty, nutty kick that takes everything over the top.

How to Make Skillet Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions. You want it al dente so it holds up well when tossed with the other ingredients. Drain the pasta, set it aside, and get excited—the foundation of this Skillet Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is done!

Step 2: Mix the Fresh Tomato Topping

In a medium bowl, stir together the chopped Roma tomatoes, torn basil leaves, minced garlic, two tablespoons olive oil, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture will remind you of fresh bruschetta and is the secret to the dish’s vibrant, summery flavor.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet. Add the diced chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate to rest, keeping all those tasty browned bits in the pan.

Step 4: Sauté the Tomato Mixture

Into the same skillet, add the fresh tomato mixture. Sauté it for just about a minute—just enough to warm the tomatoes slightly and blend the flavors, keeping most of their texture and freshness intact.

Step 5: Add Tomato Sauce and Simmer

Pour in the tomato sauce, stirring everything together. Bring the contents to a gentle boil, scrape up any brown bits from the bottom, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. This melds all those beautiful flavors without overcooking the tomatoes.

Step 6: Fold in Chicken and Pasta

Now, add the cooked chicken and the drained bow tie pasta directly to the skillet. Gently toss everything until the pasta is evenly coated and everything is glossy and infused with that savory tomato-basil goodness.

Step 7: Make the Balsamic Glaze

In a separate saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and white sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened into a glossy syrup. Lower the heat and let it bubble gently for 2 more minutes, then set aside. Your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 8: Assemble and Finish

Drizzle the balsamic glaze generously over the pasta. Finish with a good handful of grated parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of extra basil if you like. Each bite of Skillet Bruschetta Chicken Pasta will be both vibrant and comforting.

How to Serve Skillet Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

No bowl of Skillet Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is complete without a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and a handful of torn basil leaves on top. Try finishing with a crack of black pepper and even a drizzle of fruity olive oil for that restaurant-worthy look.

Side Dishes

Round out your meal with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette or a warm basket of crusty bread for mopping up extra sauce and glaze. A simple roasted vegetable medley also pairs beautifully with the fresh flavors here.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Skillet Bruschetta Chicken Pasta family-style from the skillet for a rustic, inviting feel, or pile individual portions onto shallow bowls and top each one tableside with extra balsamic glaze and cheese. For a dinner party, try arranging basil leaves in a circular pattern or keeping a few halved cherry tomatoes for color contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Skillet Bruschetta Chicken Pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to store any extra balsamic glaze separately, so you can freshen things up right before serving.

Freezing

While the fresh tomatoes and basil are best enjoyed right away, you can freeze portions of this pasta (minus the cheese and extra raw basil) for up to a month. Let everything cool, then transfer to freezer-safe bags, pressing out as much air as possible before freezing.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat Skillet Bruschetta Chicken Pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a tablespoon of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Add fresh basil and parmesan after warming to revive those bright, aromatic notes.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! Bow tie pasta is fun and holds onto the sauce well, but penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti work just as deliciously in this Skillet Bruschetta Chicken Pasta recipe.

Is there a substitute for balsamic glaze?

If you don’t have time to make a glaze, you can use store-bought balsamic reduction, though making it from scratch really elevates the flavor and aroma of your Skillet Bruschetta Chicken Pasta.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Just leave out the chicken and add extra tomatoes or even some cooked white beans for protein—Skillet Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is super adaptable and still absolutely scrumptious.

What if I don’t have fresh basil?

Fresh basil is classic, but if you’re in a pinch, a sprinkle of dried basil or even fresh parsley will add a nice herby touch to the flavors in your Skillet Bruschetta Chicken Pasta.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Dice the chicken evenly and avoid overcooking—just until it’s golden and no longer pink in the center. Tossing it back into the warm pasta and sauce helps keep everything juicy and tender.

Final Thoughts

I hope you dive into making Skillet Bruschetta Chicken Pasta soon—it’s one of those recipes that always feels joyful and satisfying, whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself to a special night in. Enjoy every fresh, saucy, basil-kissed bite!