Save A vibrant, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and a creamy basil pesto sauce—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
I first served this...
Ingredients
- Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g), cut into bite-sized pieces, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Sauce: 120 g (1/2 cup) basil pesto (store-bought or homemade), 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream, 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- Vegetables (optional): 120 g (1 cup) cherry tomatoes, halved, 60 g (2 cups) baby spinach
- Garnish: 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts (optional), Extra grated Parmesan cheese, Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 60 ml (1/4 cup) of pasta water.
- Step 2:
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3:
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add pesto and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 4:
- Return chicken to the skillet. Add cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and Parmesan cheese. Toss to coat evenly.
- Step 5:
- If using, add cherry tomatoes and baby spinach. Cook for 2–3 minutes until spinach is wilted and tomatoes are just softened.
- Step 6:
- Serve immediately, garnished with toasted pine nuts, extra Parmesan, and fresh basil.
Save This is a delightful family favorite.
Required Tools
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Colander
- Chefs knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
Allergen Information
- Contains: Milk/dairy (Parmesan, cream, pesto), pine nuts (in pesto and as garnish), gluten (pasta).
- Some store-bought pestos may contain tree nuts (cashews) or other allergens. Always check labels.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 580
- Total Fat: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Protein: 34 g
Save Enjoy this flavorful and easy-to-make pesto chicken bowtie pasta tonight. It's a fantastic dish for any occasion.
Recipe FAQ
- → Which pasta shapes work best?
Bowtie (farfalle) is classic but penne or fusilli can also be used for a similar texture and sauce coverage.
- → Can a lighter dairy option be substituted?
Yes, half-and-half or even milk can replace heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
- → Is it necessary to use homemade pesto?
Store-bought pesto works well and saves time; homemade adds freshness but either delivers excellent flavor.
- → What protein alternatives can be used?
Rotisserie chicken speeds preparation or try turkey breast pieces for a similar texture and taste.
- → How can I add more vegetables?
Include cherry tomatoes and baby spinach, or mix in bell peppers, zucchini, or peas for added color and nutrition.
- → Are there allergen considerations?
This dish contains dairy, pine nuts, and gluten. Always check pesto labels for additional potential allergens.