Pin It A vibrant, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and a creamy basil pesto sauce—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
I always get rave reviews when I bring this bowtie pesto chicken pasta to potlucks or family dinners. The creamy pesto sauce is a favorite, and it makes for delicious leftovers the next day.
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 olive oil
- Salt: 1/2 tsp salt
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Basil pesto: 120 g (1/2 cup) basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- Heavy cream: 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese: 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- Cherry tomatoes (optional): 120 g (1 cup) cherry tomatoes, halved
- Baby spinach (optional): 60 g (2 cups) baby spinach
- Toasted pine nuts (optional): 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese: for garnish
- Fresh basil leaves: for garnish
Instructions
- Cook 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.
- Sauté 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 pesto 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 chicken and pasta:
- Return chicken to the skillet. Add cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and Parmesan cheese. Toss to coat evenly.
- Add vegetables (optional):
- 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.
Pin It This dish is always a hit when my kids invite their friends over for dinner. It is easy to double, and everyone can add their own favorite veggies or toppings.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. For drinks, Pinot Grigio or sparkling water complements the dish beautifully.
Swaps & Variations
You can use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch, or swap in penne or fusilli for the bowtie pasta. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or skillet, and add a splash of milk to revive the creamy sauce.
Pin It This vibrant chicken pesto pasta brings the taste of summer to your table and is sure to please everyone.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of pasta works best?
Bowtie (farfalle) pasta is ideal for its shape, but penne or fusilli can be used as alternatives with similar texture.
- → Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, store-bought basil pesto works well and saves time, but homemade pesto enhances freshness and flavor.
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?
Cook the chicken over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through. Cutting it into bite-sized pieces helps it cook evenly and stay tender.
- → Is there a way to lighten the sauce?
Replacing heavy cream with half-and-half reduces richness while still maintaining a creamy texture.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, cherry tomatoes and baby spinach are included to add color, freshness, and nutritional balance.
- → What toppings enhance the flavor?
Toasted pine nuts, extra Parmesan, and fresh basil leaves bring added texture and depth to the dish.