Save Pesto Chicken Bowtie Pasta is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken and al dente bowtie pasta, all coated in a creamy basil pesto sauce. This Italian-American favorite is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, balancing ease with rich, comforting flavors that will satisfy the whole family.
Save This dish offers a lovely balance between creamy sauce and fresh ingredients, with toasted pine nuts and fresh basil elevating the flavors. Its approachable preparation means even beginners can create an impressive meal without hassle.
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
- 1. Cook the 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.
- 2. Cook the 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.
- 3. Prepare the 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.
- 4. Combine chicken, pasta, and sauce
- Return chicken to the skillet. Add cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and Parmesan cheese. Toss to coat evenly.
- 5. Add vegetables
- If using, add cherry tomatoes and baby spinach. Cook for 2–3 minutes until spinach is wilted and tomatoes are just softened.
- 6. Serve
- Serve immediately, garnished with toasted pine nuts, extra Parmesan, and fresh basil.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For a lighter version of the sauce, try substituting half-and-half for the heavy cream. To save time, rotisserie chicken can be used in place of cooking chicken breasts yourself. Feel free to swap bowtie pasta with penne or fusilli to vary the texture and appearance.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a different twist, add other vegetables like roasted red peppers or zucchini. If you prefer a dairy-free option, experiment with vegan pesto and plant-based cream alternatives. Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially if your pesto is pre-seasoned.
Serviervorschläge
Pair this dish with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio to complement the fresh basil and creamy sauce. A simple green salad or crusty Italian bread also make excellent accompaniments for a complete meal.
Save With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this Pesto Chicken Bowtie Pasta recipe is a dependable weeknight favorite that delivers satisfying flavors and nourishing ingredients. Enjoy a dish that feels indulgent yet comes together with ease anytime.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Bowtie (farfalle) pasta works perfectly here, as its shape holds the creamy pesto sauce well, but penne or fusilli can be used as substitutes.
- → Can I use store-bought pesto for this dish?
Yes, store-bought basil pesto offers convenience and great flavor, though homemade pesto adds a fresher, vibrant taste.
- → How do I keep chicken juicy and tender?
Sauté bite-sized chicken pieces over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through, avoiding overcooking to maintain moisture.
- → What are good vegetable additions to enhance this dish?
Cherry tomatoes and baby spinach are excellent choices, adding color, freshness, and a slight sweetness when gently wilted.
- → How can I lighten the creamy sauce?
Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce richness while keeping a smooth and flavorful sauce consistency.