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 on a busy Tuesday night and it instantly became a family favorite. The way the sauce clings to each bowtie makes every bite delicious.

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

Perfect for simmering soups, baking casseroles, and serving cozy one-pot meals straight from oven to table.

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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) pasta water.

Cook 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 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Make Pesto 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:

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 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.

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This is one pasta dish my kids request again and again. It brings everyone to the table, eager for seconds.

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), gluten (pasta). Some pestos may have tree nuts. Check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 580 calories, 25 g total fat, 57 g carbohydrates, 34 g protein

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Create smooth frozen drinks, slushies, and frappés for desserts and parties using juices, coffee, or wine.

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This pesto chicken bowtie pasta is sure to become a staple in your home. Bright, creamy, and always satisfying.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What type of pasta is best for this dish?

Bowtie (farfalle) pasta is ideal due to its shape, which holds the creamy pesto sauce well. Penne or fusilli can be used as alternatives.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken breasts?

Yes, rotisserie chicken can be substituted for a quicker preparation, adding convenience without sacrificing flavor.

→ How can I make the sauce lighter?

Using half-and-half instead of heavy cream will lighten the sauce while maintaining a creamy texture.

→ Are the pine nuts necessary for this dish?

Pine nuts are optional but add a nice toasted crunch and complement the basil pesto's flavors well.

→ How do I prevent the pasta from drying out when mixing with the sauce?

Reserve some pasta cooking water and add it when combining pasta with the sauce to maintain moisture and help the sauce adhere.

→ Can this dish be paired with a specific wine?

A crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio pairs excellently, balancing the creamy pesto and savory chicken.