Bowtie pasta and chicken blend with creamy pesto, spinach, and tomatoes for a flavorful meal in under 40 minutes.
# Components:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz bowtie pasta
→ Chicken
02 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz), 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
# Method:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
02 - While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
03 - Reduce heat to medium and add pesto and heavy cream to the same skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
04 - Return chicken to the skillet. Add cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
05 - If using, add cherry tomatoes and baby spinach. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until spinach is wilted and tomatoes are just softened.
06 - Serve immediately, garnished with toasted pine nuts, extra Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil leaves.
