Savory Chicken Pesto Pasta

This chicken pesto pasta combines tender chicken pieces with farfalle pasta and juicy cherry tomatoes, all brought together by rich basil pesto and finished with a sprinkle of parmesan. It has become my go-to dinner for busy weeknights when I need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

I first made this recipe when entertaining unexpected guests and panicked about what to serve. The empty plates and requests for seconds convinced me to keep this in my regular rotation. Now it's what my husband automatically suggests whenever we're hosting friends.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: Adds a light flavor base for sautéing the chicken
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Provide lean protein and become tender when cut into bite sized pieces
• Salt and pepper: Enhance the natural flavors of all ingredients
• Minced garlic: Creates an aromatic foundation, look for fresh cloves for the best flavor
• Italian seasoning: Brings Mediterranean herbs in one convenient blend
• Farfalle pasta: Its bow tie shape holds the pesto sauce perfectly in its crevices
• Basil pesto: The star ingredient that brings everything together, find refrigerated varieties for freshest flavor
• Cherry tomatoes: Add bright pops of color and juicy sweetness, halve them to release their flavors
• Parmesan cheese: Contributes a salty umami dimension that complements the pesto beautifully
• Fresh parsley or basil: Provides a final fresh flavor note and visual appeal

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boiling point. Cook your farfalle according to package instructions until al dente—usually about 10 minutes. The pasta should have a slight firmness when bitten as it will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the hot ingredients later.

Prepare the Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add the chicken pieces and season generously with salt and pepper. Allow them to cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until they develop a golden crust before flipping to cook the other side. This caramelization adds tremendous flavor to the final dish.

Add Aromatics:

When the chicken is nearly cooked through, add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning directly to the pan. Stir continuously for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned. Cooking the spices and garlic in the oil releases their flavors more intensely than adding them later.

Combine Components:

Drain your cooked pasta well but do not rinse it as the starch helps the sauce adhere. Add the hot pasta directly to the pan with the chicken. Pour in the pesto and toss everything together until each piece of pasta and chicken is evenly coated with the vibrant green sauce.

Finish the Dish:

Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, taking care not to crush them. The residual heat will warm them without making them mushy. Immediately sprinkle with the grated parmesan cheese, which will slightly melt into the dish and finish with a scattering of fresh herbs.

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The first time I made this dish I doubled the garlic because my family adores that aromatic punch. It completely transformed the dish and created what has now become our signature version. Whenever the aroma of garlic and pesto fills our kitchen my teenagers mysteriously appear asking when dinner will be ready.

Perfect Pesto Selection

Store bought pesto works beautifully in this recipe but not all varieties are created equal. Look for pesto in the refrigerated section rather than shelf stable options as they typically contain fresher ingredients and more vibrant flavors. The best versions list basil as the first ingredient followed by olive oil, pine nuts, and cheese. If you're feeling ambitious homemade pesto takes this dish to extraordinary heights especially in summer when basil is abundant and affordable.

Make It Your Own

This recipe serves as a wonderful foundation that welcomes personalization. For a heartier version, add roasted red peppers, sun dried tomatoes, or baby spinach that wilts beautifully into the hot pasta. To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and perhaps add cannellini beans or roasted vegetables for substance. For a lighter option, substitute zucchini noodles for half the pasta. My daughter loves when I add a splash of cream to the pesto, creating a more indulgent sauce that clings to every bite.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, which cuts through the richness of the pesto. For a complete Italian inspired meal, add garlic bread or bruschetta to start. While this dish shines as a warm entrée, it also makes a delicious cold pasta salad for picnics or packed lunches—just add a bit more pesto before serving to refresh the flavors. I've found serving it family style in a large shallow bowl creates the most appealing presentation, allowing everyone to appreciate the colorful components.

Storage Solutions

This pasta keeps wonderfully, making it ideal for planned leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to revive the sauce, which tends to thicken when chilled. For the best texture, warm gently on the stovetop rather than microwaving, which can make the pasta mushy. The flavors actually develop and meld overnight, making day two sometimes even more delicious than the original serving.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of pasta for this dish?

Yes, you can substitute farfalle with any short pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli. The key is choosing a shape that will hold the pesto sauce well and mix easily with the chicken and tomatoes.

→ Is it possible to make this with homemade pesto instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade basil pesto works wonderfully in this dish. Simply blend fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, and olive oil until smooth, then use it as directed in the instructions.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables like roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts. You could also substitute the chicken with plant-based protein alternatives or extra firm tofu.

→ Can this be made ahead and reheated?

Yes, this dish reheats well. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to help loosen the pasta, and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

→ What sides pair well with chicken pesto pasta?

This dish works beautifully with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A light side helps balance the richness of the pesto sauce. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, consider serving with bruschetta or a caprese salad.

→ Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Certainly! This versatile dish welcomes additions like spinach, asparagus, zucchini, or roasted red peppers. Add leafy greens at the end to wilt, or pre-cook firmer vegetables before combining with the pasta and pesto.