Save to Pinterest A vibrant, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and a creamy basil pesto sauce—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
The first time I made this, my whole family was drawn by the fresh scent of basil filling the kitchen. Even picky eaters asked for seconds!
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Ingredients
- Bowtie (farfalle) pasta: 340 g (12 oz)
- Chicken breasts: 2 boneless, skinless (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
- Cherry tomatoes (optional): 120 g (1 cup), halved
- Baby spinach (optional): 60 g (2 cups)
- Toasted pine nuts (optional): 2 tbsp
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese: for serving
- Fresh basil leaves: for garnish
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Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 60 ml (1/4 cup) of pasta water.
- Cook the 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 to 7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce:
- In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Add pesto and heavy cream. Stir to combine and let simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine pasta and chicken:
- 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 to 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 to Pinterest This meal instantly became a new comfort-food staple at our table. Even on rushed evenings, we would gather together and enjoy every bite.
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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 might have tree nuts—check packaging before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 580, Total Fat: 25 g, Carbohydrates: 57 g, Protein: 34 g
Save to Pinterest 
Your family will love this easy pasta dinner. It is flavorful, satisfying, and sure to be requested again and again!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Bowtie (farfalle) pasta is ideal because its shape holds the creamy pesto sauce well, but penne or fusilli are great substitutes.
- → Can I use store-bought pesto for convenience?
Yes, store-bought basil pesto works well and speeds up preparation, though homemade pesto can enhance freshness and flavor.
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?
Cook chicken pieces over medium-high heat until golden and just cooked through to keep them juicy and tender.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Cherry tomatoes and baby spinach are excellent options for adding color and freshness without overpowering the flavors.
- → What are good garnishes to complement the dish?
Toasted pine nuts, extra grated Parmesan, and fresh basil leaves provide delightful texture and aroma enhancements.
- → Is it possible to lighten the creamy sauce?
Substituting half-and-half for heavy cream reduces richness while maintaining a creamy texture.
