This Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a winner! It brings together tender chicken, fresh tomatoes, and crunchy pine nuts all tossed in rich pesto sauce—a real treat.
You’ll love how quickly this dish comes together, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, who can resist that combo of flavors? It’s a simple crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used farfalle for its fun shape. You can switch it out for penne, fusilli, or any pasta you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time as needed!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to work with, but thighs are a tasty alternative if you prefer darker meat. Leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver too!
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, these add great flavor. If you don’t have fresh, substitute with canned diced tomatoes, draining excess liquid before adding them.
Pine Nuts: They add a lovely crunch. If you need a nut-free option, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work. If you can’t find them, skip it altogether!
Pesto: Store-bought saves time, but homemade pesto adds freshness. You can also substitute with a different sauce like sun-dried tomato pesto or even a garlic and olive oil mix.
How Do I Get My Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but a few tips will help you nail it! Make sure to cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your skillet until it’s hot before adding the chicken so it sears properly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook in batches if needed, to ensure even cooking.
- Keep an eye on cooking time—about 5-7 minutes should do it, depending on size. Look for a golden color and no pink inside.
- Let it rest after cooking for a couple of minutes before adding it back to the dish to keep it juicy.
Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes and Pine Nuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Dish:
- 8 oz farfalle (bowtie) pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes (a mix of red and yellow is nice), halved
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 1/3 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish! You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients, and another 10 minutes cooking everything together. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sautéing the Chicken:
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until they turn golden and are cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm on a plate.
3. Cooking the Tomatoes and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for around 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and start to caramelize.
4. Mixing Everything Together:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour in the pesto sauce. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated with the sauce. Now, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to combine all the ingredients nicely.
5. Toasting the Pine Nuts:
In a small dry pan over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for about 2-3 minutes until they are golden and fragrant. Make sure to stir them frequently to prevent burning.
6. Serving the Dish:
Serve your pasta mixture on plates and sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley for a beautiful garnish. Dig in and enjoy your vibrant, flavorful chicken pesto pasta with tomatoes and pine nuts!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle works beautifully, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! To adapt this dish for a vegetarian diet, simply replace the chicken with more veggies, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You could also use chickpeas for added protein and texture!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the pasta seems dry, adding a splash of olive oil or water can help moisten it up!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pesto?
Of course! Store-bought pesto is a great time-saver and works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor, or, if you prefer, you can opt to make homemade pesto for a fresher taste.
