Bruschetta Pasta (original) (raw)

I live off of cold pasta salads this time of year, so this week I made a really simple and delicious Bruschetta Pasta, which is just a super fresh and summer pasta that is inspired by the flavors and ingredients in traditional bruschetta. This easy pasta salad makes a great side to go with dinner or you can grill up some chicken to serve on top and make it a meal!

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“This was delicious, I added Parmesan Cheese, and it added another layer of flavor. Wow! It was great with Costco roasted chicken.”

Deborah Hilsenbeck

Easy Recipe for Bruschetta Pasta

This summery and fresh pasta, inspired by Bruschetta, features tomatoes marinated in a simple homemade balsamic vinaigrette, fresh basil, and tender pasta. That’s IT. It’s so simple, so fresh, and so very delicious! This is the perfect pasta to make if you have your own garden or have a friend who has a garden because fresh tomatoes and fresh basil are a must!

Cost 4.56recipe/4.56 recipe / 4.56recipe/0.76 serving

Bruschetta pasta is super light and fresh, featuring ripe tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a quick and easy balsamic vinaigrette.

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

• ▢ 1/3 cup olive oil ($1.10)

• ▢ 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar ($0.73)

• ▢ 1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard ($0.03)

• ▢ 2 cloves garlic, minced ($0.08)

• ▢ 1/2 tsp salt ($0.03)

• ▢ 1/2 tsp freshly cracked pepper ($0.08)

• ▢ 4 Roma tomatoes ($0.96)

• ▢ 12 oz. penne pasta* ($0.88)

• ▢ 1/2 cup fresh basil, loosely packed ($0.67)

• Make the vinaigrette first. Add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to a bowl, then whisk until smooth.

• Finely dice the tomatoes. Add the tomatoes to a large bowl, then pour the dressing over top. Stir the combine the tomatoes and dressing, then set them aside to marinate.

• Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions (boil 7-8 minutes, or until tender), then drain well in a colander. Allow the pasta to cool.

• While the pasta is cooling, roughly chop the basil.

• Give the tomatoes another stir, then add the drained and cooled pasta and chopped basil to the bowl. Stir until everything is evenly combined and coated in dressing. Taste the pasta and add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.

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*I used penne pasta for this recipe because I had some on hand, but I think any short-shaped pasta would be great here. Bowtie or campanelle would also be great. Longer pasta, like spaghetti, would work in a pinch, but I suggest breaking it in half to help the pieces of tomato mix into the pasta instead of having it all clump on the outside of the bowl.

Serving: 1.5cupsCalories: 334kcal (17%)Carbohydrates: 46g (15%)Protein: 8g (16%)Fat: 13g (20%)Sodium: 215mg (9%)Fiber: 2g (8%)

The nutrition data is automatically calculated using all ingredients listed on the recipe card, including any listed as optional. Percentages are of daily value.

How to Make Bruschetta Pasta – Step by Step Photos

Make the dressing: I assemble the vinaigrette first, so the flavors have some time to blend. Combine ⅓ cup olive oil, 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar, ½ Tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 minced cloves of garlic, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp freshly cracked pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth, then set the dressing aside.

Dice the tomatoes: Finely dice four Roma tomatoes or two large tomatoes.

Marinate the tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes to a large bowl, pour the vinaigrette over top, then stir them together. Let the tomatoes marinate while you cook 12 oz. pasta (according to the package directions). Drain the pasta well and allow it to cool.

Chop the basil: While the pasta is cooling, chop about ½ cup (loosely packed, or ½ oz. weight) of fresh basil.

Assemble the pasta: When the pasta is drained and mostly cool, give the tomatoes another stir, then add the pasta and basil to the bowl.

Serve: Stir everything together until evenly combined and coated in dressing. Give the pasta a taste and add more salt or pepper to your liking. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat (1-2 days).

What Else Can I Add?

• Cubed mozzarella or fresh mozzarella pearls (combined with the fresh tomatoes and basil, this addition would make it taste like a Caprese salad pasta!)
• Canned, drained, and rinsed butter beans or chickpeas
• A drizzle of balsamic glaze on top before serving
• A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese
• Chopped up hard-boiled eggs (use the air fryer to make hard-boiled eggs to save space on the stove!)
• Diced cucumber or bell peppers

What to Serve with Bruschetta Pasta

This easy pasta works great as a side dish to any grilled meat or fish. I’ve made my garlic marinated chicken, sliced it up, and served it on top of the pasta in the past! It would also be quite nice with seafood like shrimp scampi or garlic butter baked cod. And don’t forget a simple side salad to round out the meal!

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Beth MoncelI’m a food lover, number cruncher, and meticulous budgeter. I love science and art, and the way they come together when I cook. I love to create, problem solve, and learn new things. Making great food is my passion, my purpose, and my favorite thing to share with others.More About Beth