Chicken and bowtie pasta with creamy basil pesto, Parmesan, and fresh vegetables for a vibrant main dish.
# Components:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
→ Chicken
02 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Sauce
06 - 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
07 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
08 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
→ Vegetables (optional)
09 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
10 - 2 cups baby spinach
→ Garnish
11 - 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts (optional)
12 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese
13 - Fresh basil leaves
# Directions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain with a colander and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
03 - Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add pesto and heavy cream, stirring continuously. Simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
04 - Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained bowtie pasta, reserved pasta water, and Parmesan cheese. Toss thoroughly until pasta and chicken are coated with sauce.
05 - If using, stir in cherry tomatoes and baby spinach. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until spinach wilts and the tomatoes are just softened.
06 - Serve immediately, garnishing with toasted pine nuts, extra Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil leaves.
