Creamy Pesto Chicken and Bow Ties
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Creamy Pesto Chicken and Bow Ties recipe, a perfect weeknight dinner that combines tender bow tie pasta, juicy sautéed chicken, and a luscious pesto-infused cream sauce. This one-pan wonder is elevated with fresh cherry tomatoes for a pop of sweetness and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a savory depth. The dish is easy to prepare, requiring just 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking, making it an ideal choice for busy families. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant and visually stunning finish, and serve warm for a meal that's rich, satisfying, and endlessly crave-worthy. Perfect for pasta lovers and anyone seeking a quick, flavorful dinner idea, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Bow tie pasta
- 1 pound Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 Garlic cloves (minced)
- 1.5 cups Heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Pesto sauce
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 5 leaves Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the bow tie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and black pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir for 1-2 minutes, allowing the cream to warm through.
Mix the pesto sauce into the cream, stirring until well combined and smooth. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and incorporated.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it in the creamy pesto sauce.
Add the cooked bow tie pasta to the skillet and gently toss to combine everything evenly.
Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly.
Serve the creamy pesto chicken and bow ties warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4446 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 263.2 g | 337% | |
| Saturated Fat | 104.8 g | 524% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 15.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 814 mg | 271% | |
| Sodium | 4995 mg | 217% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 273.5 g | 99% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.8 g | 56% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.9 g | ||
| Protein | 218.8 g | 438% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.6 mcg | 8% | |
| Calcium | 1063 mg | 82% | |
| Iron | 19.9 mg | 111% | |
| Potassium | 1874 mg | 40% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
