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.

I first made this pesto chicken bowtie pasta when my family asked for something simple yet special after a long day. The fresh basil aroma always makes dinnertime extra inviting.

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.

Prepare 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.

Make 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 Ingredients:

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.

Pin It

Sharing this dish with my family always sparks laughter and good conversation around the table. Its rich flavor and bright colors make dinner time memorable.

Required Tools

For best results, use a large skillet to ensure even cooking, and a sturdy colander for draining pasta.

Allergen Information

This recipe contains milk/dairy, pine nuts, and gluten. If using store-bought pesto, check ingredient labels for additional allergens like cashews.

Nutritional Information

Each serving provides approximately 580 calories, 25 g total fat, 57 g carbohydrates, and 34 g protein.

Pin It

This lively pasta dish is a crowd-pleaser that comes together in less than an hour. Finish with freshly chopped basil for maximum flavor and color.

Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, penne or fusilli are excellent alternatives to bowtie pasta and work well with the creamy basil pesto sauce.

→ Is it possible to make this dish lighter?

You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce richness while maintaining creaminess in the sauce.

→ How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Cook chicken pieces until golden and no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes on medium-high heat, ensuring they reach a safe temperature.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare components ahead and quickly combine before serving to retain flavor and texture.

→ What wine pairs well with this meal?

A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the creamy pesto and chicken beautifully, enhancing the meal's flavors.