Save A vibrant, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and a creamy basil pesto sauce—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
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
- Step 1:
- 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.
- Step 2:
- 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.
- Step 3:
- 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.
- Step 4:
- Return chicken to the skillet. Add cooked pasta reserved pasta water and Parmesan cheese. Toss to coat evenly.
- Step 5:
- If using add cherry tomatoes and baby spinach. Cook for 2–3 minutes until spinach is wilted and tomatoes are just softened.
- Step 6:
- Serve immediately garnished with toasted pine nuts extra Parmesan and fresh basil.
Save 
Save Swap bowtie pasta for penne or fusilli if desired. Excellent paired with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, penne or fusilli can be excellent alternatives to bowtie pasta, holding the sauce well without losing texture.
- → How do I make the pesto sauce creamier?
Adding heavy cream to the basil pesto softens the flavors and creates a smooth, luscious sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta and chicken.
- → Is it better to use fresh or store-bought pesto?
Fresh pesto offers a brighter flavor, but high-quality store-bought pesto can save time and still deliver great taste.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
For best texture, cook the components fresh; however, the sauce and chicken can be made a few hours ahead and combined just before serving.
- → What side dishes pair well with this meal?
A crisp green salad or garlic bread complements the creamy pesto and tender chicken, balancing the richness with freshness.