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 on a hectic Tuesday evening. The aroma of basil and garlic instantly lifted everyone's mood, and it quickly became a favorite go-to dish for my family.
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
- 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.
- Prepare 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 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 Pasta and Chicken:
- 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.
Save This dish makes regular appearances at our family table, especially when everyone needs comfort food quickly. The kids love to help sprinkle Parmesan and add fresh basil on top.
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), potential tree nuts (check pesto labels carefully).
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 580, Total Fat: 25 g, Carbohydrates: 57 g, Protein: 34 g
Save Enjoy this vibrant pesto chicken bowtie pasta for dinner and savor every creamy, herb-infused bite. Quick to make, always a crowd-pleaser!
Kitchen Questions
- → Can I substitute the bowtie pasta with another type?
Absolutely, penne or fusilli work well as substitutes, maintaining a similar texture and sauce adherence.
- → Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can replace heavy cream and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and nutritional yeast.
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays tender during cooking?
Cook chicken pieces over medium-high heat just until golden and cooked through, avoiding overcooking which can dry them out.
- → Can I prepare the pesto sauce ahead of time?
Yes, homemade or store-bought pesto can be prepared or purchased in advance to speed up the cooking process.
- → What other vegetables pair well with this dish?
Besides cherry tomatoes and baby spinach, roasted bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms complement the flavors nicely.
- → How do I keep the pasta from drying out after cooking?
Reserve some pasta water before draining and add it when tossing pasta with sauce to maintain moisture and silkiness.