Bruschetta pasta is a satisfying and flavorful dinner that draws inspiration from the beloved classic bruschetta appetizer. This dish features a vibrant mixture of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic, all generously tossed over al dente pasta. Instead of the traditional crunchy baguette, this recipe incorporates buttery, toasted breadcrumbs, adding a delightful crunch and enhancing the overall texture of the meal. It's a perfect blend of Italian flavors, offering a warm and inviting experience that highlights the freshness of the ingredients. The best part of all is that this dinner can come together in just 30 minutes.

Are you looking for more pasta recipes? Try out our Crockpot Tortellini or this One-Pot Taco Pasta. Need more super quick dinner ideas? Then you should try out this Taco Bake. If you think your kids will be too picky for this pasta, but you still want to enjoy this recipe for yourself, then quickly whip up these Rotel Tacos for them.

Equipment
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Ingredients
- Roma tomatoes
- Basil leaves
- Garlic cloves
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Linguine
- Salted butter
- Panko bread crumbs
- Balsamic glaze

Directions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes, basil, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.



Cook the linguine following the package instructions.
Melt butter over medium heat in a skillet, then add the breadcrumbs and cook until they are golden brown.



Toss the cooked pasta with the tomato mixture. Serve topped with toasted breadcrumbs and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
How do you serve this pasta bruschetta?
- This light, hearty, and versatile pasta is excellent at any time of the year. Serve your Bruschetta Pasta warm with grilled chicken and a slice of toasted bread, or enjoy it cold as a complete meal on its own.
FAQs (Because Life’s Too Busy for Guesswork)
This dish can be served either way and remains good either way. Although it is traditionally served warm, it is equally good when served cold.
If you would like to add a cheese to the dish, you can. Asiago, parmesan, or even feta cheese would all make a great addition.
You can add a protein, such as grilled or shredded chicken, to the dish. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can add tofu or chickpeas to the pan and still enjoy a complete meal. However, this pasta dish makes it great as a meal on its own or as a side dish as well.
To avoid having soggy tomatoes in your dish, select tomatoes that are ripe but not overly ripe. So when you are grabbing them at the store, you want them to have the slightest give when you gently squeeze them, but still be somewhat firm.

What are substitutions that I can make?
- Roma tomatoes – Roma tomatoes are the best choice for this dish, but you can use other tomatoes if you prefer. I would recommend patting them dry a bit so your dish isn’t overly watery.
- Garlic cloves - Fresh is always best for imparting the most flavor, but you can use jarred minced garlic in a pinch; you will need 1 teaspoon.
- Linguine – You can use any pasta you prefer. Long pasta, such as angel hair, fettuccine, or tagliatelle, is a good choice. Another option is to use smaller noodles, such as penne, small shells, or bow-tie pasta. For a gluten-free option, switch to a gluten-free pasta of your choice.
- Panko breadcrumbs – For a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free panko, but if they are unavailable, another option is to grind up some pork rinds and toast them in the pan the same way you would the panko.
How should I store my leftovers?
- Bruschetta Pasta should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat in the microwave for 30-45 seconds at a time until the desired temperature has been reached if you would like it to be warm. It is also good served cold straight out of the refrigerator. So go with what you want.
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Bruschetta Pasta

Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 6 Roma tomatoes diced
- 10 basil leaves julienned
- 2 garlic cloves grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 pound linguine
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes, basil, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Cook the linguine following the package instructions.
- Melt butter over medium heat in a skillet, then add the breadcrumbs and cook until they are golden brown.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the tomato mixture. Serve topped with toasted breadcrumbs and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
Thanks for sharing such a wonderful recipe, I think this pasta is just perfect for summer !
My basil is overflowing in my garden…will be making this for dinner tonight! Thanks for the recipe!
You are so lucky! My Basil plants just doesn’t wanna get bigger.
This was so delicious and so perfect for summer! Definitely planning on making it several more times while tomatoes are in season here.
Same! I have so many green tomatoes on the vine just so close to being ripe. I’m ready.
My husband and I love bruschetta, and the recipe was just as you said. I felt like we were back in Italy and it took only 30 minutes, BONUS!!!
Oh, I’m so glad you guys enjoyed it. It’s always nice when a recipe can bring you back to a fun time.
I love pasta and bruschetta, so this was an immediate winner for me. So good!
That sounds delicious! Do you have any tips for making the bruschetta topping ahead of time?
Yes, you can absolutely make the bruschetta topping ahead of time, but a few tweaks will help it hold up better. Chop and salt the tomatoes first, then let them drain in a colander to remove excess liquid before mixing with olive oil, garlic, and balsamic vinegar. Skip the basil until just before serving to keep it fresh and bright. Store the mixture in an airtight container in the fridge, and let it come to room temperature before serving so the flavors shine. A quick stir and taste adjustment before using will keep the topping vibrant and flavorful.
All the best flavors in one dish!
So true!