This Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a burst of flavors with tender chicken, fresh tomatoes, and crunchy pine nuts. It’s creamy, dreamy, and super quick to whip up!
I love this dish for its simplicity! Just cook the pasta, mix in the pesto, and top with juicy tomatoes and toasty pine nuts. Honestly, it feels like a restaurant meal at home! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using bowtie pasta because its shape holds onto the pesto well. If you’re out of bowtie, any pasta like penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti will work beautifully, too!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for this dish. If you’re looking for a quicker option, shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic substitute. It’s pre-cooked and saves time!
Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness when roasted. If they aren’t available, you can use grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if using larger pieces!
Pesto: Basil pesto brings so much flavor! If you need a dairy-free version, consider using a vegan pesto. You can also make your own using basil, garlic, nuts, and olive oil!
Pine Nuts: They add a great crunch and nuttiness. If pine nuts are too pricey, feel free to substitute with walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds. Toast them for extra flavor!
How Do You Roast Tomatoes Perfectly?
Roasting tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness and gives them a lovely caramelized flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for roasting.
- Cut the tomatoes in half and toss them with olive oil, salt and pepper. This adds flavor and helps them roast evenly.
- Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. If they’re too crowded, they’ll steam instead of roast.
- Watch them closely! Roast for about 15-20 minutes until they’re soft and slightly blistered. This caramelization is key!
Don’t skip this step! The difference in flavor is huge.
Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes and Pine Nuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225 g) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional, for cooking chicken)
For the Tomatoes:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (a mix of red and yellow if possible)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pesto:
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
For the Garnish:
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take you about 30 minutes from start to finish! You’ll spend around 10 minutes on preparation, 20 minutes for cooking. Quick and full of flavor—perfect for any busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once it’s cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Roast the Tomatoes:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, toss the halved cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and some black pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for about 15-20 minutes until they are soft and slightly blistered. This step brings out their sweetness—yum!
3. Cook the Chicken:
While the tomatoes are roasting, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. If you’re using garlic, add it to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Then, add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook them for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and golden brown. Once done, remove the skillet from heat.
4. Toast the Pine Nuts:
In a small, dry skillet over medium heat, add the pine nuts. Toast them for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they’re golden and fragrant. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly!
5. Combine Everything:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted tomatoes, cooked chicken, and basil pesto. Gently toss everything together until it’s well mixed and coated with the pesto.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer your delicious pasta mixture to a serving plate. Top it off with the toasted pine nuts and a sprinkle of chopped parsley if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy this flavorful dish!
This Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a fantastic combination of creamy pesto, sweet roasted tomatoes, and tender chicken, all topped with a delightful crunch from the pine nuts. Quick, easy, and absolutely scrumptious!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Store-Bought Pesto?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto is a great time-saver and still adds incredible flavor to the dish. Just make sure to choose one that you enjoy, as the quality can vary.
Can I Substitute the Chicken?
Yes! You can use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option, or even replace it with sautéed shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of olive oil or broth if it seems dry.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just sauté them with the chicken or roast them alongside the tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition!
