This Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a quick and tasty meal! Juicy chicken, fresh tomatoes, and crunchy pine nuts come together with creamy pesto to make your taste buds happy.
I love how this dish feels fancy but is super simple to make—just cook everything in one pot! Perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle adds a fun shape to the dish! If you don’t have farfalle, feel free to substitute with any other pasta like penne, rotini, or even spaghetti. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type.
Chicken: Chicken breasts work well here, but you can use thighs for a juicier option. For a lighter meal, consider swapping with grilled shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Cherry Tomatoes: A colorful mix of cherry tomatoes enhances the look and taste. If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, you can use diced regular tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
Pesto: Store-bought basil pesto is easy to use. Alternatively, make your own with fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and nuts. If you’re dairy-free, look for a vegan pesto option or make one without cheese.
Pine Nuts: These add a beautiful crunch. If you can’t find pine nuts, walnuts or sliced almonds are great substitutes. Just remember to toast them for extra flavor!
How Do You Cook Chicken Perfectly for Pasta?
Cooking chicken perfectly keeps it juicy and flavorful. Here’s how you can do it:
- Make sure your chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Heat your skillet before adding the oil, ensuring a nice sear.
- Season the chicken well with salt and pepper; this adds depth of flavor.
- Cook the chicken over medium-high heat without stirring too much. This lets it brown nicely.
- Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until no longer pink, then remove it from the skillet to avoid overcooking.
Using this technique, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken to enhance your pasta dish!
Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes and Pine Nuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz farfalle (bow tie) pasta
For the Chicken and Vegetables:
- 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 (a mix of red, yellow, or orange), halved
For the Flavor:
- 1/3 cup prepared basil pesto
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 20 minutes total! You’ll need around 10 minutes for prep and cooking the pasta, then about another 10 minutes to cook the chicken and mix everything together. It’s a quick and delightful meal for any night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the farfalle pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, then drain it and set aside. This will be the base of your dish!
2. Sauté the Chicken:
While your pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Cook the Tomatoes:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for about 5-6 minutes. You want them to soften and get just a bit of color. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking.
4. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the tomatoes. Then, add the drained pasta and the pesto. Gently stir everything together so that the pasta is well-coated in the tasty pesto.
5. Finish and Serve:
Let everything cook together for another 1-2 minutes until it’s heated through. Once it’s ready, remove it from the heat, and sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the top. If you like, add some chopped fresh basil as a garnish.
6. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious Chicken Pesto Pasta immediately and enjoy the wonderful mix of flavors and textures!
This recipe is a perfect blend of savory chicken, zesty pesto, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy pine nuts, making it a delightful dish for any occasion.
FAQ for Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes and Pine Nuts
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle adds a nice touch, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti will work well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers. You could also include chickpeas or tofu for added protein.
What Can I Substitute for Pine Nuts?
If you don’t have pine nuts on hand, feel free to use walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds! Just toast them lightly for enhanced flavor before adding them to the dish.
