This Easy Bruschetta Pasta brings together fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic for a bright and zesty dish perfect for summer. It’s light, tasty, and easy to whip up!
You can toss this pasta in just minutes, making it a great choice for those hot days when you don’t want to spend much time cooking. I love adding extra cheese—because why not? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used spaghetti for this dish, but any pasta you love will work just as well. Try penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are sweet and juicy, perfect for this recipe. If they’re not available, fresh diced tomatoes work beautifully too. Canned tomatoes can be a last resort but may not have the same fresh taste.
Basil: Fresh basil adds fantastic flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use dried basil, but the taste will be less vibrant. Fresh herbs truly make a difference in summer recipes!
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan gives a nutty richness. If you want to keep it dairy-free, consider using a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These add a nice crunch! If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, but they may not give the same texture. You could also skip the breadcrumbs if you prefer a lighter pasta dish.
How Do You Make Crispy Breadcrumbs?
Getting crispy breadcrumbs can enhance the texture of your pasta. Here’s how to achieve that crunch:
- Heat your skillet to medium heat and add olive oil. This helps the breadcrumbs fry rather than just toast.
- Keep stirring the panko breadcrumbs as they cook to ensure even browning. You don’t want them to burn!
- Once they’re golden brown, remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
These steps help you make deliciously crispy toppings that elevate your pasta dish! Enjoy this quick and tasty summer meal.
Easy Bruschetta Pasta Recipe for Summer
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or your preferred pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered (or diced fresh ripe tomatoes)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious bruschetta pasta takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend approximately 10 minutes cooking the pasta and another 10 minutes preparing the toppings and combining everything. Quick and perfect for a summer meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add your spaghetti or chosen pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. When done, drain the pasta but be sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set the drained pasta aside for now!
2. Prepare the Tomato Topping:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a bowl and mix together the quartered cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, and the chopped fresh basil. Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the mixture and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Give it a good toss to combine the ingredients. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes so the flavors can meld together!
3. Make Crispy Breadcrumbs:
In a small skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add your panko breadcrumbs along with a pinch of salt. Stir frequently while the breadcrumbs cook until they are golden brown and crispy, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning! Once they’re ready, remove from the heat.
4. Combine the Pasta and Toppings:
Transfer your cooked pasta to a large mixing bowl. Then, add the tomato mixture and the grated Parmesan cheese. Gently toss everything together to mix well. If it appears dry, use the reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
5. Add the Crispy Breadcrumbs:
Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs evenly over the pasta dish and give it a light toss to mix them throughout.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the bruschetta pasta immediately while it’s warm. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves and some additional grated Parmesan cheese on top. If you like a bit of heat, feel free to sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over your serving!
Enjoy this fresh and flavorful summer pasta with minimal cooking time and maximum taste!
FAQ for Easy Bruschetta Pasta Recipe
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works great, you can substitute it with any pasta you prefer, like penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free options. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the tomato topping ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day. However, it’s best to cook the pasta fresh for optimal texture. If you do make it all ahead, just reheat gently and add fresh basil before serving.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bruschetta pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of reserved pasta water or olive oil to prevent it from drying out. Warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, consider using nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor, or try a vegan cheese alternative. You can also omit cheese altogether if you prefer a lighter dish.
