Tender chicken and bowtie pasta blend with creamy basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and spinach for a vibrant meal.
# Components:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
→ Chicken
02 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz), cut into bite-sized pieces
03 - 1 tbsp olive oil
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
05 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Sauce
06 - 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
07 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
08 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
→ Vegetables (optional)
09 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
10 - 2 cups baby spinach
→ Garnish
11 - 2 tbsp 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 instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water, then set pasta aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then 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 basil pesto and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer gently for 2 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
04 - Return chicken to the skillet. Add cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and grated Parmesan. Toss thoroughly to evenly coat all ingredients.
05 - If using, incorporate cherry tomatoes and baby spinach. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until spinach wilts and tomatoes soften slightly.
06 - Transfer to serving dishes and garnish with toasted pine nuts, additional grated Parmesan, and fresh basil leaves as desired.
