This Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a lovely mix of tender chicken, fresh tomatoes, and crunchy pine nuts, all tossed in delicious pesto. It’s a bright and tasty dish that’s super quick to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle is a delightful choice that holds sauce well. You can swap it for penne, fusilli, or any other pasta. Gluten-free pasta works too if you have dietary needs.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil gives a nice flavor, but you can use regular olive oil or even avocado oil if you prefer. Both are excellent for sautéing!
Chicken: Chicken breasts are great, but thighs can be more juicy and flavorful. For a vegetarian option, you can use chickpeas or diced tofu instead.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a burst of sweetness! If you can’t find them, any diced tomato (canned or fresh) will work. Roasted tomatoes add even more depth.
Pine Nuts: These are wonderful for crunch. If you’re allergic or don’t have them, try walnuts or sunflower seeds for a similar texture.
Pesto: Homemade pesto is the best, but store-bought is totally fine for convenience. If you’re dairy-free, look for vegan pesto or make your own using nuts, basil, and olive oil.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
Getting your chicken just right is key to this dish. Here’s how to ensure it’s juicy and cooked properly:
- Cut the chicken into even, bite-sized pieces so they cook uniformly.
- Heat your pan before adding the chicken. This helps to sear the outside, keeping it moist inside.
- Cook on medium-high heat and resist the urge to stir too often. Allow the chicken to brown nicely, about 5-7 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F (75°C) is ideal.
Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes and Pine Nuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Chicken:
- 8 ounces farfalle (bowtie) pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Nuts:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (a mix of red and yellow if possible), halved
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
Pesto Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
Optional Garnishes:
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 25-30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the pasta and chicken, then another 10-15 minutes bringing everything together. Beyond that, it’s just serving time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once ready, drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure to keep a little pasta water if you need to adjust the sauce later!
2. Searing the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Cooking the Tomatoes:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they soften and get a little charred (about 7-8 minutes). This will really bring out their sweetness!
4. Toasting the Pine Nuts:
While the tomatoes are cooking, take a small dry pan and toast the pine nuts over medium heat. Make sure to stir them frequently so they brown evenly and don’t burn. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Once they’re golden and fragrant, take them off the heat.
5. Bringing It All Together:
Now, it’s time to combine everything! Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the tomatoes. Add the cooked pasta and spoon in the pesto. Gently toss everything together until well combined and heated through. If the pasta seems a bit dry, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water!
6. Final Touches:
Before serving, taste your dish and see if it needs any extra salt and pepper. Then, transfer the pasta to a serving dish. Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts and fresh chopped basil on top. If you love cheese, feel free to add some grated Parmesan too!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Dive into your deliciously easy Chicken Pesto Pasta while it’s warm, and enjoy every flavorful bite!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes and Pine Nuts
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle works wonderfully, you can substitute it with penne, fusilli, or even whole grain pasta. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type you select.
What Can I Use Instead of Pine Nuts?
If you don’t have pine nuts on hand or have nut allergies, feel free to use walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds as a crunchy alternative. They’ll add a nice texture without compromising flavor!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding extra veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. You can also use chickpeas or tofu for added protein!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove with a splash of water or pasta cooking liquid to keep it moist.
