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 when I was searching for something simple yet satisfying after a busy day. The combination of juicy chicken and bright basil pesto quickly became a favorite in my house.

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

Cook 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) 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 the 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.

Finish and serve:

Serve immediately, garnished with toasted pine nuts, extra Parmesan, and fresh basil.

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This recipe is a go-to for our family, and my kids love helping garnish their bowls with extra cheese and basil. It’s become a tradition for quick dinners before movie nights.

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 store-bought pestos may contain tree nuts (cashews) or other allergens. Always check labels.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 580, Total Fat 25 g, Carbohydrates 57 g, Protein 34 g

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This pesto chicken bowtie pasta makes any night feel special without much effort. Enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different pasta instead of bowtie?

Yes, penne or fusilli are excellent alternatives that hold the sauce well and offer similar texture.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream in the sauce?

Half-and-half works nicely for a lighter sauce without compromising creaminess.

→ How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Cooking the chicken until just golden and juicy ensures tenderness; avoid overcooking by monitoring the skillet closely.

→ Are pine nuts necessary for this dish?

They add a subtle crunch and nutty flavor but are optional and can be omitted or replaced with toasted walnuts.

→ Can I prepare the dish in advance?

It’s best served fresh, but components like cooked chicken and pesto sauce can be made ahead and combined just before serving.