Chef Jake Thompson - Comfort Food Specialist
👨‍🍳 Italian Cuisine Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 Culinary Arts Graduate ⏰ 18+ Years Experience 🍽️ Italian Food Specialist

❤️ My Recipe Story

"This recipe was inspired by my summer in Tuscany, where fresh bruschetta was served at every meal. I wanted to capture those bright, fresh flavors in a heartier pasta dish that could serve as a complete meal. The result is a perfect balance of fresh and comforting."

Jake specializes in Italian-inspired comfort food that emphasizes fresh, quality ingredients. His approach combines traditional techniques with modern convenience, making authentic flavors accessible for everyday cooking.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Colorful bruschetta chicken pasta with fresh tomatoes, basil, melted mozzarella, and golden chicken pieces in a white serving bowl

The Beauty of Fresh Ingredients

This dish celebrates the simplicity of fresh ingredients at their peak. The key is using ripe, flavorful tomatoes that release their juices to create a light, fresh sauce. Unlike heavy cream-based pastas, this version lets the natural flavors of tomatoes, garlic, and basil shine through.

Marinating the tomatoes before combining creates a more cohesive flavor profile. The balsamic vinegar adds depth and slight sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes, while fresh basil provides an aromatic finish that makes this dish unmistakably Italian.

💡 Professional Tip

Use tomatoes at room temperature, not cold from the refrigerator. Room temperature tomatoes release more juice and have better flavor. Marinate them while you prepare everything else for maximum taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tomato mixture can be prepared several hours ahead and left at room temperature. Cook the pasta and chicken fresh for best results, then combine everything just before serving.

Penne, rigatoni, or farfalle work best as they catch the tomato pieces and juices. Short pasta shapes are ideal for this style of dish.

Absolutely! Cherry or grape tomatoes work wonderfully. Halve them or leave whole if small. They're often sweeter and more consistently flavorful year-round.

Reserve pasta water before draining and add it gradually to create a light sauce. The starchy water helps bind the tomato juices to the pasta.

Yes! Omit the chicken and add white beans, chickpeas, or extra mozzarella for protein. You can also add sautéed vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.

Fresh basil is really key to this recipe's flavor profile. If unavailable, use fresh parsley with a pinch of dried basil, but the taste will be different.

Fresh mozzarella (the kind in water or whey) works best for creamy texture. If using low-moisture mozzarella, add it earlier so it melts more thoroughly.

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb liquid as it sits. When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to refresh.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Watery Sauce

Problem: Too much liquid pooling at the bottom

Solution: Drain excess liquid from tomatoes before adding to pasta, or cook pasta mixture briefly over heat to reduce liquid. Use less pasta water.

✅

Dry Pasta

Problem: Pasta seems dry and ingredients don't coat well

Solution: Add reserved pasta water gradually while tossing. The starchy water creates a silky coating that helps everything come together.

✅

Bland Flavor

Problem: Dish tastes flat or underseasoned

Prevention: Season tomato mixture generously with salt before marinating. Add more balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, or red pepper flakes for brightness.

✅

Chicken Overcooked

Problem: Chicken pieces are dry and tough

Recovery: Cut chicken into larger cubes, don't overcook (165°F internal temp), and let it rest before combining. Consider using chicken thighs for more forgiveness.

✅

Cheese Not Melting

Problem: Mozzarella stays in hard chunks

Prevention: Add cheese off heat and let residual warmth soften it gradually. Or return pan to low heat briefly while gently tossing.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: Add more lemon juice, red pepper flakes, or a splash of red wine vinegar

Too Salty: Add more fresh tomatoes, a drizzle of honey, or extra pasta without salt

Bland: Increase garlic, add more fresh basil, or finish with high-quality olive oil

Fresh ingredients for bruschetta chicken pasta including ripe tomatoes, basil, garlic, chicken breast, mozzarella, and pasta on a marble counter

Selecting Peak-Season Ingredients

The quality of tomatoes makes or breaks this dish. Look for ripe Roma tomatoes that are heavy for their size, with deep red color and slight give when gently squeezed. During off-season, cherry tomatoes are often a more reliable choice for consistent flavor and sweetness.

Fresh basil should be vibrant green with no dark spots or wilting. Buy it the day you plan to cook for maximum flavor and aroma. The combination of fresh basil in both the tomato mixture and as garnish creates layers of herbaceous flavor throughout the dish.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Tomato Selection: Roma tomatoes have less water and more flesh, making them ideal for this recipe. In summer, use heirloom varieties for exceptional flavor.
  • Fresh Mozzarella: Look for mozzarella packed in water or whey. It should be soft and creamy. Tear it by hand rather than cutting for better texture and rustic presentation.
  • Pasta Quality: Use good quality dried pasta made from durum wheat. Bronze-cut pasta has a rough texture that helps the sauce cling better than smooth, Teflon-cut varieties.
Bruschetta chicken pasta being tossed in a large skillet with fresh tomatoes, basil, and melted mozzarella creating colorful, appetizing mixture

Mastering the Technique

The secret to exceptional bruschetta chicken pasta is in the timing and temperature. Marinating the tomatoes at room temperature allows them to release their juices naturally, creating a fresh sauce without cooking. This preserves the bright, garden-fresh flavor that defines this dish.

When combining everything, work quickly while the pasta and chicken are still hot. The heat slightly wilts the basil and begins to soften the mozzarella, creating the perfect texture. Don't overcook after combining - you want the tomatoes to stay fresh, not turn into sauce.

The Perfect Toss

Use tongs to gently toss ingredients together, lifting and turning rather than stirring. This technique coats every piece without breaking up the tomatoes or mozzarella.

Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

Prep 15 min
Cook 20 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

For the Pasta and Chicken

  • 900g ripe Roma tomatoes, diced
    Fresh, ripe tomatoes are essential
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    Divided between tomatoes and chicken
  • 30ml balsamic vinegar
    Adds depth and balances acidity
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
    Key to authentic flavor
  • 120g fresh mozzarella, diced
    Creamy contrast to fresh tomatoes
  • 60g grated Parmesan cheese
    Adds salty, umami depth
  • Zest of 1 lemon
    Brightens all the flavors

For the Fresh Bruschetta Topping

  • 450g penne or rigatoni pasta
    Short pasta shapes work best
  • 700g boneless chicken breast, cubed
    Tender protein for the dish
  • 60ml extra virgin olive oil
    Use quality olive oil for best flavor
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
    Seasons the chicken perfectly
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
    Optional heat element
  • 30ml butter
    Adds richness to chicken
  • Salt and black pepper
    Essential seasoning

Instructions

  1. Prepare Fresh Tomato Mixture

    In a large bowl, combine diced tomatoes, 2 cloves minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, half the olive oil, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to marinate while preparing other ingredients.

  2. Cook the Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining. Drain pasta and set aside.

  3. Cook the Chicken

    Season chicken cubes with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat remaining olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Add remaining garlic and cook 1 minute more.

  4. Combine Everything

    Add cooked pasta to the skillet with chicken. Pour in the fresh tomato mixture with all its juices. Toss everything together, adding pasta water as needed to create a light sauce. Add red pepper flakes and lemon zest.

  5. Finish and Serve

    Remove from heat and gently fold in fresh mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. The residual heat will slightly melt the cheese. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb liquid over time. Add a splash of water or broth when reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty garlic bread and a simple arugula salad. A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the fresh tomato flavors.

Variations

Add sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth, swap chicken for shrimp, or add white beans for a vegetarian version. Grilled chicken adds wonderful smoky flavor in summer months.