Pesto Chicken Bowtie Pasta

Pesto Chicken Bowtie Pasta is my go-to when I need dinner on the table fast but still crave bold flavor All you need are pantry basics and a jar of pesto to transform humble chicken and pasta into something you will want to make again and again

This pasta saved me during countless busy nights My daughter now asks for it every Thursday and I love how flexible it is for adding extra veggies or swapping pasta shapes

Ingredients

• Bowtie pasta: Farfalle holds the sauce perfectly and adds a fun shape Choose high-quality dried pasta for the best texture
• Chicken: boneless and skinless breast cooks quick and stays tender Pick organic or air-chilled if you can for the juiciest pieces
• Olive oil: brings flavor and helps brown the chicken A fruity olive oil makes a difference in taste
• Salt and black pepper: season the chicken and build the base flavors Use fresh cracked pepper for a little heat
• Basil pesto: whether homemade or store-bought gives herby richness Look for pesto with lots of basil and real Parmesan for genuine flavor
• Heavy cream: brings a silky texture to the sauce If you prefer a lighter feel use half-and-half or dairy alternative
• Parmesan cheese: adds salty depth Grate fresh if possible for best melt and taste
• Cherry tomatoes (optional): brightens the dish and adds juiciness Pick ripe sweet tomatoes for bursty freshness
• Baby spinach (optional): for extra greenery and nutrition Fresh is best but you can use prewashed to save time
• Toasted pine nuts (optional): for crunch and a nutty accent Make sure they are golden not pale for full flavor
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese: for finishing and added savory notes Use a microplane to pile it high
• Fresh basil leaves: for garnish and an aromatic finish Tear the leaves for a rustic look

Instructions

Prepare Pasta:

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package directions until it is just tender but not mushy This texture helps soak up the creamy pesto Drain the pasta but keep about a quarter cup of the water This starchy liquid gives a beautiful silkiness to your sauce

Cook the Chicken:

Heat the olive oil in a wide skillet over medium-high Once hot add the chicken pieces Season generously with salt and pepper Spread them out so each piece browns and cooks evenly Let the chicken sit untouched for about four minutes then stir and cook three minutes more until all sides are beautifully golden and cooked through Take the chicken out and set aside on a plate so it stays juicy

Make the Sauce:

Keep the same skillet over medium Add the basil pesto and pour in the heavy cream Stir together and let it bubble gently for around two minutes You are aiming for a sauce that thickens just enough to cling to each pasta bowtie without feeling heavy

Combine Everything:

Slide the chicken back into the skillet along with the drained pasta Pour in the reserved pasta water and scatter the Parmesan cheese Toss everything carefully with a wooden spoon so the sauce coats every bit If you see the sauce looking dry add a tablespoon more pasta water

Add Vegetables:

If you like extra color and nutrients sprinkle in the cherry tomatoes and baby spinach Stir gently and let the veggies cook for two or three minutes The spinach should wilt and the tomatoes soften but keep their shape for the best texture

Plate and Garnish:

Spoon the pasta into serving bowls Sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the top Add another shower of Parmesan and finish with torn fresh basil Dive in while everything is warm and bright

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Nothing brightens up a weeknight like fresh basil I always make sure to pluck a few extra leaves from my garden to finish this pasta My youngest called this the green pasta and now it is a family classic

Storage Tips

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container Refrigerate for up to three days Gently reheat with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce If you plan to freeze divide into meal portions and skip adding pine nuts or tomatoes until serving for best texture

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of bowtie pasta try penne rotini or even spaghetti For dairy-free diets use a plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan Cut-up rotisserie chicken works well for speed If pesto is unavailable blend fresh basil garlic lemon juice nuts olive oil and cheese to improvise

Serving Suggestions

This dish shines alongside a simple arugula salad with lemon olive oil or serve with garlic bread for a heartier meal A chilled dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio completes the experience For gatherings double the recipe and keep it warm in a large serving bowl garnished with extra basil

Cultural Notes

Pesto pasta hails from Liguria Italy where basil grows abundantly Mixing classic pesto with chicken and cream is a modern Italian-American twist Families created versions using what they had on hand which is why no two bowls are exactly the same

Seasonal Adaptations

Swap spinach for chopped kale in winter Try roasted zucchini or asparagus in the summer Add sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy bite

Success Stories

One busy Monday I tossed in leftover roasted peppers instead of tomatoes and my husband asked for seconds Friends rave about how simple yet impressive it is for potlucks It is my trick for making everyone feel spoiled even when I am short on time

Freezer Meal Conversion

Cook as directed but stop before adding fresh veggies Cool completely and pack into freezer bags or containers Thaw overnight and briefly reheat Add tomatoes and spinach just before serving to keep their texture and color bright

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Top with extra basil enjoy immediately and savor the bright creamy flavors Your new weeknight staple is here

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How do I make the pasta al dente?

Cook bowtie pasta in boiling salted water, following package instructions. Taste for firmness before draining.

→ Can I use leftover chicken for this dish?

Yes, rotisserie or cooked leftover chicken works well. Add it to the skillet when combining with sauce and pasta.

→ Are there substitutions for heavy cream?

You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter meal, or use whole milk for creaminess with less fat.

→ What pasta alternatives work besides bowtie?

Penne and fusilli are excellent alternatives. Their shapes hold sauce nicely and pair well with chicken and pesto.

→ How can I add more vegetables?

Include bell peppers, zucchini, or peas for extra color and nutrition. Add them with spinach and tomatoes for best results.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or water.