Save 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 for my family, everyone was amazed at how much the creamy pesto sauce elevated a simple chicken and pasta meal into something truly special. It became a regular request at our dinner table after just one taste.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (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, plus 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 ingredients:
- 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.
- Garnish & serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with toasted pine nuts, extra Parmesan, and fresh basil.
Save Sharing this dish has become a family favorite in our house—especially on cozy Sunday evenings when we’re all gathered around the table. The kids love to sprinkle on their extra cheese, and there are rarely any leftovers.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta pairs wonderfully with garlic bread and a crisp green salad. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, serve with a glass of your favorite Pinot Grigio.
Storing & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
Variations
Try adding roasted red peppers or artichokes for extra flavor, or swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu to suit different dietary needs.
Save This creamy pesto chicken bowtie pasta makes weeknight dinners feel extra special—enjoy every fresh and comforting bite. Mangia!
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pasta works best?
Bowtie (farfalle) pasta complements the creamy pesto sauce well with its shape holding the flavors, but penne or fusilli are great alternatives.
- → Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, store-bought pesto is a convenient option and blends nicely with cream to create a smooth sauce.
- → How to make the chicken tender?
Cook bite-sized chicken pieces in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
- → What if I want a lighter sauce?
Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter, still creamy texture.
- → Are there optional vegetables to add?
Cherry tomatoes and baby spinach can be added for extra freshness and color, cooked briefly until softened and wilted.
- → How to garnish the dish?
Toasted pine nuts, extra grated Parmesan, and fresh basil leaves add crunch and herbal aroma as garnishes.