This Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a quick meal that bursts with flavor. Juicy chicken, fresh tomatoes, and crunchy pine nuts all come together with tasty pesto for a delightful dish!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle adds a fun shape to this dish, but any pasta will work well. You can use penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just cook it according to package instructions for best results!
Cherry Tomatoes: These tomatoes bring sweetness and a burst of flavor. If you can’t find cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes are a great alternative. You can also use regular tomatoes, but they should be chopped small to cook evenly.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect because they cook quickly. You can use thighs for more flavor or even leftover cooked chicken. Just make sure to add it in at the right cooking stage.
Pesto: Prepared pesto makes this recipe a breeze. If you want to make it from scratch, blending fresh basil, garlic, nuts, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese works beautifully. A jar of store-bought pesto is fine too!
Pine Nuts: These nuts provide a nice crunch. If you’re out of pine nuts, try walnuts or slivered almonds. Toasting them really enhances their flavor!
How Do You Roast Tomatoes to Enhance Their Flavor?
Roasting tomatoes deepens their flavor and brings out their natural sweetness. Here are some steps to make sure they come out perfect:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place halved cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet, cut side up.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast for 20 minutes, until they are soft and slightly caramelized.
- This process makes the tomatoes sweeter and adds a lovely texture to your pasta.
Feel free to adjust cooking times and seasonings according to your taste. Enjoy this delightful meal!
Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes and Pine Nuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Chicken:
- 10 oz farfalle (bowtie) pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (use a mix of colors if possible)
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pesto and Nuts:
- 2/3 cup prepared pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and another 15-20 minutes cooking. It’s a quick, delicious meal perfect for busy nights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Tomatoes:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the halved cherry tomatoes on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for about 20 minutes until they soften and start to caramelize.
2. Cook the Pasta:
While the tomatoes are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, making sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant but be careful not to let it burn.
5. Combine Ingredients:
Return the roasted tomatoes and cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the pesto sauce, mixing everything well. If the mixture seems too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
6. Combine with Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss all the ingredients together over low heat for about 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
7. Toast the Pine Nuts:
In a small dry pan, toast the pine nuts over medium heat, stirring frequently. This should take about 3-5 minutes until they’re golden brown and fragrant. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish the pasta onto plates and top with the toasted pine nuts and fresh chopped basil if you like. Enjoy your healthy and flavorful chicken pesto pasta!
Bon appétit! 🍽️
FAQ for Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes and Pine Nuts
Can I Use Store-Bought Pesto?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto saves time and still delivers great flavor. Just choose a brand you enjoy, or you can make your own for a fresh twist!
What Can I Substitute for Pine Nuts?
If you’re looking for a substitute, walnuts or slivered almonds work well for adding a crunchy texture. Just remember to toast them to enhance their flavor!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You can also include chickpeas for added protein!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil if it seems dry.
