This fun and simple chicken pesto pasta dish is packed with flavor! Juicy chicken, fresh tomatoes, and crunchy pine nuts all come together with tasty pesto for a meal that kids and adults love.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle is a fun choice with its bowtie shape. If you don’t have it, you can use any other pasta like fusilli, penne, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are quick to cook. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works great as a shortcut! Just shred it and mix in.
Cherry Tomatoes: I love using a mix of red and yellow tomatoes for color, but any tomatoes can work. If out of season, canned diced tomatoes can also be a nice alternative but drain them well.
Pine Nuts: These nuts add a nice crunch, but if you’re nut-free, sunflower seeds or even crispy breadcrumbs can be a tasty substitute.
Pesto Sauce: Homemade pesto is amazing if you have the time! For a quicker option, store-bought pesto is still delicious. You can also try sun-dried tomato pesto for a different flavor.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken to the right doneness can be tricky, but here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Make sure your skillet is well-heated before adding the chicken.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper right before cooking for better flavor.
- Cook the chicken in a single layer for even cooking and browning.
- Cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces so they cook faster and stay juicy.
- Check for doneness: the chicken should be no longer pink in the middle and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Letting the chicken rest for a couple of minutes after cooking keeps it juicy! Just cover it loosely with foil until you’re ready to mix it into the pasta.
Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes and Pine Nuts
Ingredients
- 8 oz farfalle (bowtie) pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (a mix of red and yellow if possible)
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and cooking the chicken, while the pasta boils, and another 10-15 minutes combining everything in a skillet. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the farfalle pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté the Tomatoes
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes and sauté them for about 5-6 minutes. You want them to blister and soften, adding great flavor to the dish!
4. Toast the Pine Nuts
Next, add the pine nuts to the skillet with the tomatoes. Toast them lightly by stirring for about 2 minutes, until they turn golden and fragrant. This step adds a lovely crunch to your pasta!
5. Combine Everything
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add in the drained pasta. Gently stir everything together. Then, pour in the pesto sauce and sprinkle in the chopped basil. Toss everything until the pasta, chicken, and tomatoes are well coated with the delicious pesto.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm, topped with extra pine nuts and some grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy your colorful and flavorful Chicken Pesto Pasta!
FAQs for Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes and Pine Nuts
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great healthier alternative. Just keep in mind that it may take a minute or two longer to cook, so check the package for specific cooking times.
What Can I Substitute for Pine Nuts?
If you’re looking for a nut-free option or don’t have pine nuts on hand, you can use sunflower seeds or even toasted pumpkin seeds. Alternatively, crispy breadcrumbs also work for a nice crunch!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Sure! Simply skip the chicken and add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for a hearty vegetarian dish. You may want to increase the amount of pesto to enhance the flavor!
