Pesto pasta with chicken is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: quick, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. Tender bites of juicy chicken, perfectly cooked bow tie pasta, vibrant pesto, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes come together to create a dish that’s as colorful as it is comforting. It’s rich, hearty, and has a bright, garlicky punch that feels indulgent without being heavy.
I’ve been making some version of this easy pesto pasta recipe for years. It’s a total lifesaver on busy nights when my family is craving something that tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen. And trust me, they always go for seconds when this is on the table.
Why This Pesto Pasta with Chicken Is So Irresistible
- It’s fast: On the table in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights.
- Family-friendly: Adults and picky eaters alike adore it thanks to its creamy, savory flavors.
- Simple ingredients: You probably have most of these items in your pantry or fridge.
- Customizable: Easily tweak it to fit your preferences or dietary needs (see variations below).
- Restaurant-quality: It feels fancy enough for a dinner party but is low-stress to make.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Pesto Pasta with Chicken
Let’s spotlight some of the recipe’s key ingredients and why they matter:
- Bow Tie Pasta: Bow tie pasta, also known as farfalle, has ridges and crevices that hold onto the pesto sauce beautifully. If you’re out of bow tie pasta, penne or rotini work well as substitutes.
- Chicken: Using bite-sized pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breasts makes this dish lean while still hearty. Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative if you prefer a slightly richer flavor.
- Pesto Sauce: Bold, herbaceous pesto is the star of the show. Homemade pesto takes this to another level, but a high-quality store-bought option will save you time and still taste amazing.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a pop of sweetness and chewiness that balances the savory notes. Look for oil-packed varieties for the best flavor.
Pesto Pasta with Chicken Recipe Details
- Servings: 8 servings
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
Ingredients for Pesto Pasta with Chicken
- 1 (16 ounce) package bow tie pasta
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
- ½ cup pesto sauce
- ⅓ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and cut into strips
How to Make Pesto Pasta with Chicken
- Prep: Gather and prep all your ingredients. Drain the sun-dried tomatoes, mince the garlic, and chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bow tie pasta until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant. Stir in the chicken and sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, pesto, and sun-dried tomatoes. Toss until everything is evenly coated in the sauce.
- Serve: Dish up the pasta and serve it warm. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you’d like!
Expert Tips for the Best Pesto Pasta with Chicken
- Cook the pasta al dente so it holds up when tossed with the sauce.
- Adjust the heat: Scale back the red pepper flakes if you like it mild, or add more for a spicy kick.
- Go homemade: If time allows, make your own pesto for a fresher, herb-forward flavor.
- Reheat gently: If you have leftovers, warm them on low heat to avoid drying out the chicken.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Delicious Pesto Pasta with Chicken Variations
- Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and toss in roasted veggies like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers.
- Healthy pesto pasta with chicken: Use whole wheat pasta and a lighter, store-bought pesto to cut calories.
- Chicken Pesto Pasta Skillet: Prepare everything in one skillet for easy cleanup and a slightly crispier finish.
- Seasonal Add-Ons: Toss in spring peas or asparagus for a fresh, seasonal twist.
Pesto Pasta with Chicken FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes! A good-quality store-bought pesto works beautifully in this dish. Look for refrigerated versions in the deli section for the freshest flavor.
How do I know the chicken is cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has turned golden on the outside.
What pasta shape works best?
Bow tie pasta is ideal, but penne, rotini, or shells are great substitutes that also hold sauce well.
Can I freeze this dish?
Unfortunately, pesto doesn’t freeze well once mixed with pasta because it can separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
This pesto pasta with chicken is a recipe you’ll turn to again and again for its unbeatable combination of ease, flavor, and versatility. What’s your favorite twist on pasta night? Let me know in the comments—I love hearing your ideas!
Pesto Pasta with Chicken
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Large bowl
Ingredients
- 1 16 ounce package bow tie pasta
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
- ½ cup pesto sauce
- ⅓ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and cut into strips
Instructions
- Gather and prep all your ingredients. Drain the sun-dried tomatoes, mince the garlic, and chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bow tie pasta until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant. Stir in the chicken and sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, pesto, and sun-dried tomatoes. Toss until everything is evenly coated in the sauce.
- Dish up the pasta and serve it warm. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you’d like!
