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 after a busy workday and was amazed at how flavorful and satisfying it turned out with minimal effort. Now it's my go-to dinner when I want something comforting but vibrant.
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.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately garnished with toasted pine nuts extra Parmesan and fresh basil.
Save My family loves gathering around the table for this pasta and everyone enjoys adding their own garnishes. It's the dish my kids ask for when they're craving something cozy yet fresh.
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) some store-bought pestos may contain tree nuts or other allergens always check labels
Nutritional Information
Per serving calories 580 total fat 25 g carbohydrates 57 g protein 34 g
Save This pesto chicken bowtie pasta makes a vibrant meal that's simple enough for weekdays but special enough for guests. Enjoy every creamy flavorful bite.
Kitchen Guide
- → How do I cook the bowtie pasta perfectly?
Boil salted water and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- → Can I use store-bought pesto for this dish?
Yes, store-bought basil pesto works well and speeds up preparation, but homemade pesto offers a fresher flavor.
- → What alternatives are there for heavy cream in the sauce?
Half-and-half can be substituted for heavy cream to lighten the sauce without sacrificing creaminess.
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays tender and juicy?
Cook bite-sized chicken pieces over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through, avoiding overcooking to maintain moisture.
- → What can I use if I don’t have bowtie pasta?
Penne or fusilli pasta can be substituted, as they hold sauce similarly and complement the chicken well.