Pesto Chicken Bowtie Pasta

A vibrant, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and a creamy basil pesto sauce—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

This recipe provides a quick yet delicious dinner option that my family loves on busy weeknights.

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

Step 1:

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.

Step 2:

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.

Step 3:

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.

Step 4:

Return chicken to the skillet. Add cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and Parmesan cheese. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 5:

If using, add cherry tomatoes and baby spinach. Cook for 2 3 minutes until spinach is wilted and tomatoes are just softened.

Step 6:

Serve immediately, garnished with toasted pine nuts, extra Parmesan, and fresh basil.

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This dish always brings my family together around the table sharing stories and laughter.

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 (cashews) or other allergens. Always check labels.

Nutritional Information

Calories 580, Total Fat 25 g, Carbohydrates 57 g, Protein 34 g per serving

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This pesto chicken bowtie pasta is a quick flavorful meal that will become a weeknight staple.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How should I cook the chicken for the best texture?

Cook bite-sized chicken pieces in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes, for tender, juicy results.

→ Can I substitute fresh pesto with store-bought options?

Yes, store-bought basil pesto works well and offers convenience without sacrificing much flavor.

→ What pasta type works best for this dish?

Bowtie (farfalle) pasta is ideal for holding the creamy sauce, but penne or fusilli are good alternatives.

→ How do the vegetables contribute to the dish?

Cherry tomatoes and baby spinach add freshness, color, and a slight sweetness that balances the savory sauce.

→ Is it necessary to reserve pasta water during cooking?

Yes, adding reserved pasta water helps bind the sauce and pasta together for a smoother, creamier texture.

→ What garnishes enhance this dish?

Toasted pine nuts, extra grated Parmesan, and fresh basil leaves add texture, umami, and herbaceous aroma.