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 made this pesto chicken bowtie pasta when I needed a fast yet satisfying dinner after a hectic day. The combination of creamy sauce and juicy chicken always lifts my spirits, and it's a hit with everyone at the table!
Ingredients
- Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Freshly ground black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Pesto: 120 g (1/2 cup) basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- Heavy cream: 120 ml (1/2 cup)
- Parmesan cheese: 2 tbsp grated
- Cherry tomatoes (optional): 120 g (1 cup), halved
- Baby spinach (optional): 60 g (2 cups)
- Toasted pine nuts (optional): 2 tbsp
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese: for garnish
- Fresh basil leaves: for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- 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.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- 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.
- Make the Sauce:
- 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.
- Combine Everything:
- Return chicken to the skillet. Add cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and Parmesan cheese. Toss to coat evenly.
- Add Vegetables:
- If using, add cherry tomatoes and baby spinach. Cook for 2–3 minutes until spinach is wilted and tomatoes are just softened.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with toasted pine nuts, extra Parmesan, and fresh basil.
Save This is one dish everyone in my family requests over and over again. It brings back memories of lively weeknight dinners where we all gathered around the table to enjoy good food and conversation.
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 garnish), gluten (pasta). Some store-bought pestos may contain tree nuts. Always check labels.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 580, Total Fat: 25 g, Carbohydrates: 57 g, Protein: 34 g
Save Serve this pesto chicken bowtie pasta hot and fresh for the fullest flavor. A sprinkle of Parmesan and basil on top is the perfect finishing touch.