This Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta brings together tender chicken, fresh tomatoes, and crunchy pine nuts, all tossed in a tasty pesto sauce. It’s simple and full of flavor!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I chose farfalle for its fun shape, but you can swap it for any pasta you like! Penne, rotini, or even spaghetti work great too.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are simple to work with. You can use grilled chicken strips or even leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
Cherry Tomatoes: Mixed-color cherry tomatoes add visual appeal and taste. If they’re out of season, substitute with canned diced tomatoes or sundried tomatoes for a different twist.
Pesto: Fresh basil pesto gives the best flavor, but jarred varieties are handy. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using vegan pesto instead.
Pine Nuts: They add a lovely crunch, but if you’re looking for a substitution, try walnuts or sunflower seeds. Just make sure to toast them for that extra flavor!
How Do You Cook Chicken Perfectly for This Dish?
Cooking chicken until it’s just right is key for this pasta. Follow these steps to ensure juicy, tender pieces:
- Heat the skillet over medium-high before adding the chicken—this helps to sear it nicely.
- Cut chicken into small, even-sized pieces to cook evenly. Season them well with salt and pepper.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked—check with a thermometer for 165°F (75°C). Don’t overcrowd the pan, or it will steam instead of sear!
- Remember to remove the chicken from the pan once cooked to avoid overcooking.
These tips will help you achieve the perfect chicken for your pasta, making your dish even tastier!
Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes and Pine Nuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Chicken:
- 8 oz farfalle (bow-tie) pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Pesto:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (mixed colors like red, yellow, and orange)
- 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
Garnish:
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes around 30 minutes to make! You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and cooking the chicken and tomatoes, and the pasta cooking will happen simultaneously. A quick and easy meal 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 al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t forget to save a little pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce later!
2. Cook 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 for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Once they are done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Tomatoes:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook over medium heat for about 5-6 minutes. You want them to soften and start caramelizing for that lovely sweet flavor!
4. Combine Everything:
Now, lower the heat to medium-low and return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the tomatoes. Pour in the basil pesto and stir everything together until well coated. Cook for 1-2 minutes more to warm everything through. If you’d like the sauce a little creamier, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
5. Finish and Serve:
Once heated through, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts and fresh parsley on top for a delicious finishing touch. Serve immediately and enjoy your colorful and flavorful meal!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes and Pine Nuts
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses farfalle, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
Can I Make It Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken. Instead, consider adding extra sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach, to keep it hearty and flavorful.
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 on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent it from drying out.
What Can I Substitute for Pine Nuts?
If pine nuts are not available, you can use other nuts like walnuts or almonds, or even seeds such as sunflower seeds. Just make sure to toast them for added flavor before scattering them on top!
