Easy and Quick Instant Pot Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

The first time I made Bruschetta Chicken Pasta in my Instant Pot, I couldn’t believe how something so easy could taste this good! It was a busy weeknight, and I wanted something that screamed “comfort food” without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s when this recipe came to the rescue.

Picture this: juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and the fresh, zesty flavors of bruschetta all coming together in one pot. It’s a symphony of flavors—garlic, basil, tomatoes, and just the right hint of Parmesan to tie it all together. Honestly, my family couldn’t stop raving about it!

If you’re looking for a meal that’s quick, delicious, and makes you feel like a Rockstar in the kitchen, this is the one. Trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again! Ready to dig in? Let’s get started!

Ingredients for the Recipe:

Bruschetta:

• 2 medium-sized Roma Tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 medium-sized Red Onion, finely chopped
• 4-5 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Kosher Salt
• 1 tsp Cracked Black Pepper
• 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 tbsp Dried Basil
• 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes

Pasta:

• 1 lb Chicken Breast, boneless and skinless, chopped into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 1 tsp Kosher Salt & Pepper
• 2 cups Chicken Broth, low sodium
• 8 oz Fusilli Pasta, uncooked
• 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Garnish:

• Grated Parmesan Cheese
• Freshly chopped Basil
• Balsamic Vinegar for drizzling

Ingredient Substitutions:

Cooking should be flexible, and this Bruschetta Chicken Pasta recipe is no exception! If you’re missing an ingredient or have dietary preferences, here are some simple swaps you can make:

Tomatoes (Roma Tomatoes): If you don’t have Roma tomatoes, cherry or grape tomatoes work wonderfully. They’re naturally sweet and juicy, adding a vibrant flavor to the bruschetta.

Red Onion: Swap red onion with shallots for a milder, slightly sweet flavor. Yellow onions can also be used if you prefer a more subtle onion taste.

Chicken Broth (Low Sodium): Vegetable broth is a great alternative if you’re looking for a vegetarian base or a lighter option. You can also use water with a teaspoon of bouillon powder for a similar flavor.

Fusilli Pasta: Any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle will work well in this dish. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type.

Chicken Breast: If you’re out of chicken breast, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a flavorful alternative. For a vegetarian twist, use cubed tofu or chickpeas instead.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Regular olive oil or avocado oil can replace extra virgin olive oil without compromising the flavor.

Parmesan Cheese: Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a slightly different cheesy note. For a dairy-free option, use nutritional yeast.

Fresh Basil: If fresh basil isn’t available, you can use fresh parsley or cilantro for a unique twist. Dried basil works too but add it sparingly since it’s more concentrated.

Balsamic Vinegar: A drizzle of red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can provide a tangy kick if balsamic isn’t on hand.

Step by Step Cooking Process:

Prepare the Bruschetta:

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped Roma tomatoes, red onion, minced garlic, kosher salt, cracked black pepper, olive oil, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the flavors blend beautifully. Set the bowl aside to let the bruschetta marinate while you prepare the rest.

Season the Instant Pot:

Pour the chicken broth into your Instant Pot, ensuring the liquid covers the bottom. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and a touch of cracked black pepper. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything gently, creating a flavorful base for your pasta dish.

Add Chicken and Pasta:

Next, add the diced chicken breast pieces directly into the seasoned broth. Scatter the uncooked fusilli pasta over the top, ensuring the pasta is evenly distributed.

Layer with Bruschetta:

Carefully spoon the prepared bruschetta mixture over the chicken and pasta. Avoid stirring at this stage, as this helps maintain the layers and allows the flavors to meld during cooking.

Pressure Cook:

Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to pressure cook on high for 3 minutes. Once the cooking cycle completes, let the pressure release naturally. This step ensures the pasta and chicken are perfectly cooked and tender without overcooking.

Finish and Serve:

Open the Instant Pot and give the dish a gentle stir. Sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring it into the warm pasta for a creamy and savory finish. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan, freshly chopped basil, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for that final burst of flavor. Enjoy your delicious Bruschetta Chicken Pasta!

How to Serve Bruschetta Chicken Pasta?

Serving Bruschetta Chicken Pasta is as delightful as making it! Here’s how to plate and elevate this flavorful dish for any occasion:

Plating:

Spoon the pasta into a wide, shallow bowl to showcase the colorful layers of bruschetta, pasta, and chicken. Make sure every serving has a bit of everything—juicy chicken, tender pasta, and the vibrant bruschetta topping.

Garnishing:

Top each plate with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, cheesy touch. Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the dish to enhance its aroma and add a pop of green. Finally, drizzle a little balsamic vinegar for a tangy-sweet finish that ties all the flavors together beautifully.

Accompaniments:

Serve the pasta with a side of warm garlic bread or crusty baguette slices. The bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce and bruschetta juices. Pair the dish with a fresh side salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty pasta.

For Special Occasions:

To make it extra special, serve the pasta family-style in a large serving dish. Garnish it generously and place it at the center of the table for everyone to help themselves. A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with a lemon wedge can complete the experience.

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