Save It 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 to impress my family on a busy weekday evening. The combination of creamy basil pesto, juicy chicken, and bowtie pasta was an instant hit, and now it's one of our go-to favorites.
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.
- Prepare 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 It Sharing this dish with my loved ones always brings smiles to the table, and the kids especially enjoy decorating their plates with extra basil leaves.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, colander, chef's knife, cutting board, wooden spoon
Allergen Information
Contains milk/dairy (Parmesan, cream, pesto), pine nuts (in pesto and as garnish), gluten (pasta). Some pestos may have tree nuts. Always check for dietary restrictions.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 580 calories, 25 g total fat, 57 g carbohydrates, 34 g protein
Save It Serve immediately for the freshest flavor, and don't forget a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. This is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, penne or fusilli work well and absorb the sauce beautifully.
- → How can I make this lighter?
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use rotisserie chicken for a quicker, lighter option.
- → Are there recommended garnishes?
Toasted pine nuts, extra Parmesan, and fresh basil leaves add fantastic texture and flavor.
- → What wine pairs best with this dish?
Crisp white wines such as Pinot Grigio complement the vibrant basil and creamy sauce nicely.
- → Is it safe for those with allergies?
Contains dairy, pine nuts, and gluten. Check pesto labels for possible tree nut or other allergens.
- → Can I add vegetables?
Cherry tomatoes and baby spinach bring extra color and nutrition; add near the end of cooking.