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 after a long day when I craved something that felt both comforting and full of flavor. Its speedy preparation and irresistible combination of creamy pesto and juicy chicken make it a family favorite in my kitchen.
Ingredients
- Bowtie (farfalle) pasta: 340 g (12 oz)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 2 (about 400 g), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Freshly ground black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Basil pesto: 120 g (1/2 cup), store-bought or homemade
- Heavy cream: 120 ml (1/2 cup)
- Parmesan cheese: 2 tbsp grated + extra for garnish
- Cherry tomatoes (optional): 120 g (1 cup), halved
- Baby spinach (optional): 60 g (2 cups)
- Toasted pine nuts (optional): 2 tbsp
- 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:
- 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:
- 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 This pasta has become our go-to dish for family gatherings because everyone loves its creamy, savory flavor—and how quickly it comes together.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this pasta with a simple green salad and crusty bread, or serve alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredient Swaps
Feel free to substitute rotisserie chicken for extra speed, or swap bowtie pasta for penne or fusilli if preferred.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 580 calories, 25 g total fat, 57 g carbohydrates, and 34 g protein, making it a satisfying and balanced meal.
Save The creamy pesto sauce clings to every piece of bowtie pasta for a dish that's as comforting as it is delicious. Enjoy your meal while it's hot and fresh!
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes, penne or fusilli can be used as alternatives to bowtie pasta without affecting the dish's texture.
- → Is fresh pesto necessary or is store-bought okay?
Store-bought basil pesto works well and speeds up preparation, but fresh pesto offers a brighter, fresher flavor.
- → How can I make the sauce creamier?
Adding a bit more heavy cream or substituting with half-and-half creates a richer, creamier sauce.
- → Can this dish be prepared using pre-cooked chicken?
Rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken can be used to reduce cooking time without compromising taste.
- → What are good garnish options?
Toasted pine nuts, extra grated Parmesan, and fresh basil leaves enhance flavor and add texture.