Instant Pot Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

Category: Easy Dinners Ready in 30 Minutes or Less

Quickly prepare a flavorful dish by cooking diced chicken and bowtie pasta under pressure, then stirring in a gently marinated mix of tomatoes, red onion, basil, and olive oil. The warmth of the pasta helps the tomato mixture release its flavors, while freshly grated parmesan ties it all together for a creamy finish. This vibrant meal is perfect served hot, garnished with extra basil and cheese. Great for feeding a family or as a make-ahead option, it’s ideal for weeknights and summer gatherings alike. Store any leftovers for easy reheating and enjoy within four days.

A woman with a smile on her face.
Created By Melanie Carter
Updated on Fri, 13 Jun 2025 16:35:18 GMT
A fork is being used to pick up a piece of pasta with chicken and tomatoes. Pin
A fork is being used to pick up a piece of pasta with chicken and tomatoes. | mellierecipes.com

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
A fork is being used to eat pasta with chicken and tomatoes. Pin
A fork is being used to eat pasta with chicken and tomatoes. | mellierecipes.com

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.

Instant Pot Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

Juicy chicken and bowtie pasta pair with marinated tomatoes and parmesan for an easy one-pot dinner.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
4 minutes
Overall Cooking Time
19 minutes
Created By: Melanie Carter

Recipe Category: Quick Weeknight Meals

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Style: Italian

Result Amount: 8 Portions (8 standard servings of pasta with chicken and bruschetta topping)

Diet Preferences: ~

What You’ll Need to Make This

→ Bruschetta Topping

01 450 g roma tomatoes, diced (approximately 5-6 tomatoes)
02 120 ml red onion, finely diced
03 15 g fresh basil, thinly sliced
04 60 ml extra virgin olive oil
05 3 garlic cloves, minced
06 15 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
07 2.5 g kosher salt
08 0.5 g ground black pepper
09 Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional; example used 0.5 g)

→ Pasta

10 680 g boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 2.5 cm cubes (alternatively, use diced chicken thighs)
11 4 g Italian seasoning
12 2.5 g kosher salt
13 0.5 g ground black pepper
14 830 ml chicken broth
15 450 g uncooked bowtie pasta
16 75 g freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus additional for serving

How to Prepare

Step 01

In a medium bowl, combine diced tomatoes, red onion, fresh basil, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cover and set aside at room temperature to marinate while preparing the rest.

Step 02

Place the diced chicken evenly in the Instant Pot insert. Sprinkle over Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Pour in chicken broth and distribute bowtie pasta on top in an even layer. Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on Manual High Pressure for 4 minutes. Allow approximately 15 minutes for the appliance to come to pressure.

Step 03

After cooking, perform a controlled quick release of pressure. Stir the chicken and pasta to combine. If excess liquid remains, activate the Sauté function to simmer off the liquid for several minutes, then turn off Sauté.

Step 04

Add grated parmesan cheese and the marinated bruschetta mixture to the Instant Pot. Mix until evenly distributed. Place the lid loosely on the pot and allow the contents to warm through for 3-5 minutes.

Step 05

Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator and consume within 4 days.

Extra Tips

  1. Allowing the bruschetta topping to marinate enhances flavor integration and freshness throughout the dish.
  2. A controlled quick release prevents starchy splatter; use a wooden spoon for safety.
  3. If there is excessive liquid after pressure release, sauté briefly to achieve desired pasta consistency.

Tools Required

  • 6-litre Instant Pot or comparable electric pressure cooker
  • Chef’s knife
  • Citrus juicer
  • Box grater

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you’ve got specific concerns.
  • Contains dairy (parmesan cheese)
  • Contains gluten (wheat pasta)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, this info is purely for reference and isn’t meant to replace dietary guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 439
  • Fat Content: 13 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 48 grams
  • Protein Content: 32 grams