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 something fast but tasty for my family. It quickly became a favorite for dinner thanks to its comforting, herby sauce and bright colors.
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 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 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 to 7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce:
- In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Add pesto and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta:
- Return chicken to skillet. Add cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and Parmesan cheese. Toss to coat evenly.
- Add Veggies (Optional):
- If using, add cherry tomatoes and baby spinach. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until spinach is wilted and tomatoes softened.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately. Garnish with toasted pine nuts, extra Parmesan, and fresh basil.
Save My kids love sprinkling extra cheese on top and helping me toss everything together—the kitchen smells amazing as the fresh basil aroma fills the air.
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). Always check pesto labels for additional allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 580 calories, 25 g total fat, 57 g carbohydrates, 34 g protein
Save This flavorful pasta makes dinner effortlessly impressive and satisfying. Serve with a crisp side salad for extra freshness.
Kitchen Guide
- → Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, penne or fusilli work well if you prefer a different texture or shape in your dish.
- → Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Substitute the heavy cream and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives to achieve a dairy-free version.
- → How can I speed up the cooking process?
Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken can reduce overall preparation time significantly.
- → What wine pairs best with this meal?
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the creamy pesto and tender chicken flavors beautifully.
- → Are the pine nuts essential for flavor?
Toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch and nuttiness, but you can omit them if preferred or allergic.