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 for a quick dinner when I needed something comforting and bright after a busy day—and it has become a staple in our weekday rotation ever since.
Ingredients
- Bowtie Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- Chicken Breasts: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g) cut into bite&sized pieces
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp for sautéing the chicken
- Salt: 1/2 tsp to season the chicken
- Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp freshly ground for seasoning
- Basil Pesto: 120 g (1/2 cup) store&bought or homemade
- Heavy Cream: 120 ml (1/2 cup) for a creamy sauce
- Parmesan Cheese: 2 tbsp grated plus more for garnish
- Cherry Tomatoes (optional): 120 g (1 cup) halved
- Baby Spinach (optional): 60 g (2 cups)
- Toasted Pine Nuts (optional): 2 tbsp for garnish
- Fresh Basil Leaves: For garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside reserving 60 ml (1/4 cup) of pasta water.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- While 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 to 7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Pesto Cream Sauce:
- In the same skillet lower heat to medium. Add pesto and heavy cream stirring to combine. Let simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Return chicken to 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 to 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 This dish quickly became a favorite in our house even for picky eaters—my kids especially love the fun pasta shape and creamy sauce!
Nutrition Facts
Each serving provides about 580 calories 25 g fat 57 g carbohydrates and 34 g protein making it a well&balanced meal for lunch or dinner.
Allergen & Special Diet Info
This recipe contains milk (Parmesan cream pesto) pine nuts and gluten. If you have allergies double&check all packaged items and consider substitutions as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the pasta with a crisp green salad or simple roasted vegetables and enjoy with a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio for a delicious Italian-inspired meal.
Save This pesto chicken bowtie pasta comes together fast and is sure to impress with its creamy texture and herby aroma—enjoy every flavorful bite!
Cooking Guide
- → What pasta type works best for this dish?
Bowtie (farfalle) pasta is ideal for holding the creamy pesto sauce and tender chicken pieces, though penne or fusilli are good alternatives.
- → Can I use store-bought pesto for convenience?
Yes, store-bought basil pesto works well and can save time while maintaining rich flavors.
- → How can I make the sauce lighter?
Substituting half-and-half for heavy cream will lighten the sauce without sacrificing creaminess.
- → Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?
Yes, adding reserved pasta water helps to loosen and emulsify the sauce, ensuring it coats the pasta evenly.
- → What garnishes enhance this dish?
Toasted pine nuts add crunch, extra Parmesan cheese brings a savory boost, and fresh basil leaves impart bright herbal notes.
- → Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Cherry tomatoes and baby spinach are excellent optional additions, providing freshness and balance to the creamy sauce.