If you love a simple, satisfying pasta dinner, this Chicken Bacon Bruschetta Pasta is for you. It combines fresh bruschetta flavors—ripe tomatoes, good olive oil, and bright basil—with shredded chicken and crispy bacon for a comforting, flavorful weeknight meal. The dish comes together quickly, is easy to customize, and is perfect for using summer tomatoes and garden basil.
Bruschetta is hard to beat when tomatoes are at their peak. Fresh tomatoes mixed with olive oil and basil add a vibrant, juicy brightness that complements the savory chicken and bacon. Tossed with penne and finished with melted mozzarella, this pasta is an easy crowd-pleaser—so good it converted a pasta skeptic in our house.
This recipe is also a great way to use the last of garden basil. If you grow herbs, grab a generous handful of fresh basil leaves to finish the dish — they add aroma and color that make the pasta feel seasonal and fresh. Serve the dish with a simple green salad and some crusty or garlic bread for a complete meal.
As summer winds down, this bruschetta-inspired pasta is a nice way to enjoy ripe tomatoes while you can. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, yet flavorful enough for guests. The combination of shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and fresh basil makes it a family-friendly favorite that’s both cozy and bright.
- 1 lb. penne pasta
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 15 oz. canned diced tomatoes
- 3–4 roma tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. dried basil
- 3 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded*
- 8 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup julienned fresh basil leaves
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot over low heat, warm the olive oil. Add canned diced tomatoes, fresh diced roma tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, dried basil, shredded chicken, and crumbled bacon. Stir gently to warm through and let the flavors meld for a few minutes.
- Return the cooked pasta to the pot and toss everything together until well combined.
- Stir in the shredded mozzarella until it melts and coats the pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve the pasta topped with the julienned fresh basil leaves for flavor and color.
- Enjoy!
Like what you see? Pin it here!
This Chicken Bacon Bruschetta Pasta is adaptable: swap penne for rigatoni or ziti, add a handful of baby spinach while tossing for extra greens, or sprinkle with Parmesan instead of mozzarella. It’s a versatile summer-to-fall recipe that highlights fresh tomatoes and basil while delivering satisfying protein and savory bacon. Try it as an easy family dinner or a relaxed dish for entertaining—either way it’s fast, flavorful, and comforting.