Save to Pinterest A vibrant, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and a creamy basil pesto sauce—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
This dish has become a family favorite for busy weeknights, delivering comfort and flavor in under 40 minutes.
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 to Pinterest Making this recipe always brings my family together around the dinner table for a cozy meal.
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
Calories: 580, Total Fat: 25 g, Carbohydrates: 57 g, Protein: 34 g per serving
Save to Pinterest This pesto chicken bowtie pasta is a wonderful balance of creamy and fresh, perfect for impressing family or guests.
Recipe FAQs
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Bowtie (farfalle) pasta is ideal for holding the creamy pesto sauce, but fusilli or penne can be good substitutes.
- → Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, store-bought pesto is convenient and flavorful, though homemade pesto offers a fresher taste.
- → How do I keep the chicken tender?
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and cook over medium-high heat until golden and fully cooked, avoiding overcooking to retain juiciness.
- → What vegetable additions complement this dish?
Cherry tomatoes and baby spinach add brightness and nutritional value, wilting quickly for a fresh contrast.
- → How can I adjust the sauce consistency?
Reserved pasta water can be added gradually to achieve a smooth, well-coated sauce without thinning it too much.
- → Are toasted pine nuts necessary?
They add a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor but can be omitted or substituted if allergies or preferences require.