
This Instant Pot Bruschetta Chicken Pasta brings together juicy diced chicken, bowtie pasta, and a vibrant tomato bruschetta topping in one easy meal. Everything cooks together in your Instant Pot, saving time and cleanup. Finished with bright basil, fresh garlic, and parmesan, it is a craveable weeknight dinner that feels special enough to serve to guests.
I remember making this for the first time at the end of a long workday when I had almost no time to cook. It tasted so fresh and lively that my family kept scooping up seconds until the pot was just about empty.
Ingredients
- Roma tomatoes: diced for maximum sweetness and traditional bruschetta texture look for firm fruit that feels heavy for its size
- Red onion: adds a little bite and color choose a firm onion without soft spots
- Fresh basil: key for flavor and aroma use fresh leaves not dried
- Olive oil: helps marinate the topping with richness choose extra virgin for best flavor
- Garlic: brings bold savory depth use fresh and mince finely
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: brightens up everything roll the lemon before cutting to extract more juice
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper: balance and season the whole dish choose kosher or sea salt for gentler flavor
- Red pepper flakes: optional but adds warmth try a pinch and increase to taste
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: cut into chunks for quick cooking feel for firm fresh chicken or substitute thighs for juicier texture
- Italian seasoning: classic Italian herbs ensure flavor even during quick cooking aim for a fresh blend with aroma
- Chicken broth: creates a savory base for cooking the pasta low sodium broth gives you more control over seasoning
- Bowtie pasta: holds up well in the Instant Pot use a sturdy wheat pasta for best results
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese: adds rich umami pick a wedge and grate just before cooking for best melt and flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Bruschetta Topping:
- Combine diced tomatoes red onion sliced basil olive oil minced garlic lemon juice salt pepper and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl Cover and let it sit at room temperature while you work on the main recipe This lets all the fresh flavors meld and the tomatoes get juicy
- Cook the Chicken and Pasta:
- Place diced chicken evenly in the Instant Pot Sprinkle with Italian seasoning salt and pepper Pour chicken broth over the chicken to surround it with moisture Spread the uncooked bowtie pasta in an even layer on top but do not stir This order prevents sticking and helps the pasta cook evenly
- Pressure Cook:
- Close the Instant Pot lid Set the vent to sealing Set to Manual High Pressure for 4 minutes Wait as the pot comes to pressure about fifteen minutes cooking starts after that
- Quick Release and Stir:
- Once cooking finishes perform a controlled quick release Open the vent a little at a time using the back of a wooden spoon to avoid splatter Pasta tends to foam so slow release helps After the pressure drops open the lid and stir the chicken and pasta If there is excess liquid turn on Sauté for a minute or two then turn it off
- Finish with Cheese and Topping:
- Add the grated parmesan cheese and the fresh tomato bruschetta topping directly to the hot pasta Stir gently to combine everything Cover the pot loosely and let it warm for three to five minutes The cheese melts and the tomato mixture infuses the pasta
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Spoon the hot pasta into bowls Top with more parmesan and extra basil if desired Serve right away for best texture and taste

Fresh basil is my favorite ingredient here It completely changes the dish giving each bite a hint of summer I always remember my youngest picking out the basil leaves and nibbling them from her pasta bowl
Storage Tips
Place any leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator It stays fresh for up to four days When reheating add a splash of chicken broth or water to help the pasta loosen up You can also freeze portions of the pasta before adding the bruschetta topping then thaw and add fresh tomatoes and basil before serving
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap boneless chicken thighs for breast if you want extra juicy and rich flavor Gluten free bowtie pasta works but reduce cooking time by one minute If you run out of basil try flat leaf parsley for a different freshness and use a good quality pecorino if you’re out of parmesan
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta hot with extra parmesan and a side of crusty bread for soaking up juices It also tastes great at room temperature for picnics or summer potlucks A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs perfectly
Cultural Notes
Bruschetta started as a rustic bread and tomato appetizer in Italy Over time cooks started riffing on those flavors in pasta chicken and more This recipe celebrates that tradition but gets weeknight friendly thanks to the Instant Pot and a few time savers
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, diced boneless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness to the dish.
- → What pasta shapes can I substitute?
Any short pasta such as penne, rotini, or fusilli can be used; just ensure similar cook times.
- → Do I have to marinate the tomatoes?
Marinating enhances flavors, but if pressed for time, you can mix the topping ingredients and add immediately.
- → How do I prevent pasta from overcooking?
Use a controlled quick release to avoid soggy pasta and adjust cooking time if using smaller shapes.
- → Can this dish be made ahead?
Yes, store cooled leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently. Best enjoyed within four days.
- → How do I adjust for dairy-free diets?
You can omit parmesan or use a dairy-free substitute without losing the pasta's main flavors.