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 made this pesto chicken bowtie pasta for my family on a busy evening when we needed something comforting and simple. Every bite was bursting with fresh basil flavor and creamy sauce, and it quickly became a weeknight favorite.

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.

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 five to seven 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 two 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:

If using, add cherry tomatoes and baby spinach. Cook for two to three minutes until spinach is wilted and tomatoes are just softened.

Serve:

Serve immediately, garnished with toasted pine nuts, extra Parmesan, and fresh basil.

Pin

Pasta night is always special in our house, and my kids loved helping sprinkle Parmesan and basil over their bowls. We shared stories around the table while enjoying every creamy, flavorful bite.

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), and gluten (pasta). Some store-bought pestos may contain tree nuts.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 580, Total Fat: 25 g, Carbohydrates: 57 g, Protein: 34 g

Pin

This simple pasta brings vibrant flavor to any weeknight. Serve hot and sprinkle extra Parmesan for a perfect finish.

Recipe FAQ

→ What pasta works best with pesto chicken?

Bowtie (farfalle) pasta is ideal, as its shape holds the pesto sauce well, but penne or fusilli are excellent alternatives.

→ How can I make the chicken tender and juicy?

Cook chicken pieces over medium-high heat in olive oil until golden and just cooked through, ensuring they stay moist and flavorful.

→ Can I substitute fresh pesto with store-bought?

Store-bought basil pesto works perfectly, offering convenience without sacrificing taste when combined with cream.

→ What vegetables complement this dish?

Cherry tomatoes and baby spinach add freshness and texture, lightly cooked to maintain their crispness and color.

→ How should I serve and garnish this pasta?

Garnish with toasted pine nuts, extra grated parmesan, and fresh basil leaves for added texture and flavor variety.