This easy chicken pesto pasta is a colorful and tasty dish! With juicy chicken, fresh tomatoes, and crunchy pine nuts, it brings a burst of flavor to any meal.
I love how quick this dish is to prepare. Just cook the pasta, stir in the chicken and pesto, and sprinkle with those delightful pine nuts. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle adds a nice touch, but feel free to use any pasta you have on hand, like swirling fusilli or classic spaghetti. Each shape gives a unique twist to the dish!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great choice, but chicken thighs can add more flavor. For a quick option, use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for extra ease.
Cherry Tomatoes: These plump gems add sweetness. If they’re out of season, sun-dried tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes can be good swaps. Just adjust the cook time to soften them if using canned.
Pine Nuts: While pine nuts are lovely for crunch, they can be pricey. You can use slivered almonds, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds as a substitute if needed!
Basil Pesto: If you can, try homemade pesto for a fresh taste! If you’re short on basil, consider blending spinach or arugula with nuts and olive oil for a quick alternative.
How Do I Make Sure the Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta may seem simple, but it plays a big role in your dish’s texture. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use a large pot of salted water to ensure the pasta cooks evenly. About a tablespoon of salt per gallon of water is a good guideline.
- Follow the package instructions for cooking time, but start checking for doneness a minute or two early. You want it al dente, which means it should have a bit of bite.
- When draining, reserve some pasta water to add to your sauce later. This starchy water helps thicken the sauce and bind everything together.
By keeping an eye on the pasta, you’ll ensure it turns out perfectly every time!
Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta With Tomatoes & Pine Nuts
Ingredients:
- 8 oz farfalle pasta (bowtie pasta)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (mix of red and yellow if possible)
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking the pasta, and another 20 minutes cooking everything together. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (typically about 8-10 minutes). Once done, drain the pasta, but remember to save about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water for later!
2. Sauté the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken to the skillet. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for now.
3. Cook the Tomatoes and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes have softened and are starting to caramelize. Your kitchen should smell amazing!
4. Mix Everything Together:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and 1/2 cup of basil pesto. Stir everything together until well combined. If the mixture looks a bit dry, gently mix in some of the reserved pasta water to create a nice, creamy sauce.
5. Toast the Pine Nuts:
In a small, dry pan, add the pine nuts and toast over medium heat. Stir them frequently for about 2-3 minutes until they are golden and fragrant. Be careful, as they can burn quickly!
6. Final Touches:
Remove the pasta from heat and sprinkle the toasted pine nuts and fresh basil over the top. Mix again if desired.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the pasta warm, with grated Parmesan cheese on the side if you like. Enjoy this vibrant, comforting dish that brings together all those wonderful flavors!
This recipe combines tender chicken, flavorful pesto, sweet roasted cherry tomatoes, and crunchy pine nuts to create a vibrant and comforting pasta dish. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta With Tomatoes & Pine Nuts
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle adds a nice touch, you can substitute it with any pasta you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also include chickpeas or tofu for added protein!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauté the tomatoes ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, just cook the pasta, combine everything, and warm it through on the stovetop!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to help revive the sauce.
