This Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a colorful dish filled with juicy chicken, fresh tomatoes, and crunchy pine nuts tossed in a rich, vibrant pesto sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
You’ll love how all the flavors come together in one bowl. It’s like a hug for your taste buds! I usually make extra so I can enjoy the leftovers for lunch the next day—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Farfalle Pasta: Farfalle adds a fun shape to the dish. If you don’t have it, you can use penne, fusilli, or any pasta you like. Just keep an eye on the cooking time!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly. For a faster option, rotisserie chicken works great here too. Just shred it and add it in at the end.
Cherry Tomatoes: I love using a mix of colored cherry tomatoes for variety and sweetness, but any fresh tomatoes will do. If tomatoes are out of season, use sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor.
Pesto: Store-bought pesto is super convenient! If you prefer homemade, try blending fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil. You can also substitute spinach or arugula for the basil to change things up.
Pine Nuts: Toasted pine nuts add a nice crunch, but you can swap them for walnuts or almonds if necessary. Just toast them lightly to bring out their flavor.
How Do I Cook the Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking the chicken well is key to this recipe. Here’s how to make sure it comes out juicy and delicious:
- Use a skillet over medium-high heat to ensure a good sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if necessary.
- Season the chicken before cooking. Just salt and pepper work wonders.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through until no pink remains.
Let it rest for a minute before adding it back into the dish. This keeps it juicy and tender!
Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes and Pine Nuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz farfalle (bowtie) pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (mixed colors if possible)
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 25 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the chicken and tomatoes, and another 10-15 minutes boiling the pasta and combining everything. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for any night of the week!
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 according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside, but don’t forget to save a little pasta water in case you need it later!
2. Sauté the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Tomatoes:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and sauté them for 4-5 minutes until they’re slightly blistered and soft. This will release their delicious juices!
4. Combine Everything:
Now, reduce the heat to low, return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and stir in the basil pesto. Give it all a good mix to coat the chicken and tomatoes evenly.
5. Add the Pasta:
Carefully add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything together. If the dish seems a little dry, you can add a splash of reserved pasta water to help combine the ingredients smoothly.
6. Finish & Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the top. If you like, garnish with chopped fresh basil for extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your colorful and tasty chicken pesto pasta!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes and Pine Nuts
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great alternative and adds more fiber to your dish. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions since whole wheat pasta may take a minute or two longer to cook.
What Can I Substitute for Pine Nuts?
If you don’t have pine nuts on hand, try using walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a different crunch. Just make sure to toast them lightly to enhance their flavor before adding to the pasta!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
You can 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, adding a splash of olive oil or water if the pasta seems dry.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just sauté them along with the cherry tomatoes until they’re tender.
