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 tried pesto chicken pasta when I needed something fun yet quick for a busy weeknight and it was an instant hit.
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.
- Cook 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:
- 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.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Serve immediately garnished with toasted pine nuts extra Parmesan and fresh basil.
Save My family always asks for this pesto chicken bowtie pasta on nights when everyone craves something comforting but speedy.
Required Tools
Large pot large skillet colander chefs knife cutting board wooden spoon
Nutritional Information
Calories: 580 Total Fat: 25 g Carbohydrates: 57 g Protein: 34 g (per serving)
Pairings & Variations
Swap bowtie pasta for penne or fusilli if desired. This pasta pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio.
Save This noodle dish is easy enough for busy weeknights yet fancy for guests. Enjoy the fresh basil flavors in every bite.