This Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a quick treat! With juicy chicken, fresh tomatoes, and crunchy pine nuts, it’s packed with flavor. Plus, the pesto ties everything together perfectly!
Who doesn’t love a one-pot meal? I whip this up on busy nights and it’s always a hit. Serve it warm and enjoy that tasty combination of goodness—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle pasta is great for this recipe, but you can use other shapes like penne or fusilli. Just make sure whatever pasta you choose cooks well with the sauce.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to, but you can use chicken thighs for more flavor. Even leftover rotisserie chicken works nicely here.
Pesto: Prepared basil pesto is a fantastic time-saver! If you’re in a pinch, use a store-bought version or make your own using fresh basil, garlic, nuts, and olive oil.
Pine Nuts: Toasted for a nutty flavor, but if you can’t find them, walnuts or sliced almonds are excellent substitutes. Just toast them similarly for added taste.
Cherry Tomatoes: A mix of red and yellow tomatoes adds color and sweetness. However, if they’re not available, regular tomatoes, chopped, can also do the trick.
How Can I Perfectly Roast Cherry Tomatoes?
Roasting cherry tomatoes enhances their sweetness and adds a delicious depth to the dish. Here are some easy steps:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for even cooking.
- Toss halved tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
- Roast them for 15-20 minutes until they’re blistered. Watch them closely in the last few minutes!
This method draws out their flavor and creates a lovely texture that pairs beautifully with pasta! Enjoy the burst of freshness in every bite.
Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes and Pine Nuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) farfalle (bowtie) pasta
For The Tomato Mixture:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (a mix of red and yellow if possible), halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For The Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g), cut into bite-sized pieces
For The Pesto and Nuts:
- 3/4 cup prepared basil pesto
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal will take you about 30 minutes from start to finish! You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the chicken and tomatoes, plus you’ll have the pasta on the stove while everything roasts. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pasta:
Start by cooking the farfalle pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Once it’s done, drain it in a colander and set it aside for now.
2. Roast The Tomatoes:
While your pasta is cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking sheet and toss the halved cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, along with some salt and black pepper. Spread them out evenly and roast for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re blistered and caramelized. Yum!
3. Cook The Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken, season them with salt and pepper, and sauté for about 6-8 minutes until they are cooked through and turn a lovely golden brown. Once they are done, remove them from the heat.
4. Toast The Pine Nuts:
In a small dry skillet, toast the pine nuts over medium heat. Stir them frequently for about 3-4 minutes until they are golden and fragrant. Be careful not to let them burn! Once toasted, remove them from the heat immediately.
5. Combine Everything:
In a large bowl (or back in the skillet with the chicken), combine the cooked pasta, roasted tomatoes (including any delicious juices), sautéed chicken, and basil pesto. Toss gently to mix everything well and coat it in that yummy pesto.
6. Serve It Up:
Dish out the pasta on plates and sprinkle the toasted pine nuts and chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch. Looks and smells amazing, right?
7. Enjoy!
Serve this warm and enjoy your Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta. It’s bursting with flavors from the sweet tomatoes, savory chicken, and crunchy pine nuts. Perfect for any dinner!
FAQ: Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes and Pine Nuts
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle (bowtie) pasta is great, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just be mindful of the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose!
Can I Make This Meal Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables. Zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach work wonderfully. You can also increase the amount of pesto for extra flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
Can I Use Homemade Pesto Instead of Store-Bought?
Of course! Homemade pesto will add a fresh and vibrant flavor to your dish. Just ensure it’s well-blended and seasoned to complement the other ingredients. Follow your favorite pesto recipe for the best results!
