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 my family craved something comforting yet fresh. It quickly became a staple thanks to the simple prep and craveworthy flavors.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp freshly ground
- Basil pesto: 120 g (1/2 cup), store-bought or homemade
- Heavy cream: 120 ml (1/2 cup)
- Parmesan cheese: 2 tbsp grated, plus more for garnish
- Cherry tomatoes (optional): 120 g (1 cup), halved
- Baby spinach (optional): 60 g (2 cups)
- Pine nuts (optional): 2 tbsp toasted, for garnish
- Fresh basil leaves: for garnish
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:
- 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 Pesto Cream 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 & Toss:
- Return chicken to the skillet. Add cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and Parmesan cheese. Toss to coat evenly.
- Add Vegetables (Optional):
- 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 Last weekend, my kids helped sprinkle extra Parmesan and pine nuts on top, making everyone feel like a chef at the dinner table.
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 (per serving)
Calories: 580, Total Fat: 25 g, Carbohydrates: 57 g, Protein: 34 g
Save This pesto chicken bowtie pasta is the kind of meal you'll want to make again and again. Enjoy every creamy, basil-packed bite!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes, penne or fusilli work well as alternatives to bowtie pasta, holding the sauce nicely.
- → How can I make this dish lighter?
Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter, but still creamy texture.
- → Is it possible to prepare faster?
Using rotisserie chicken cuts down cooking time significantly while maintaining flavor.
- → Can I add vegetables?
Cherry tomatoes and baby spinach are perfect for adding freshness and color to the dish.
- → What nuts are included in the garnish?
Toasted pine nuts add crunch and a nutty flavor, complementing the creamy pesto sauce.