This Chicken Pesto Pasta is a yummy mix of tender chicken, fresh pesto, and sweet roasted tomatoes, topped with crunchy pine nuts. It’s bright, colorful, and absolutely inviting!
You know, when I make this, the smell of roasted tomatoes fills the kitchen, and I just can’t resist sneaking a taste or two! It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bowtie Pasta: I love using farfalle for its fun shape, which holds onto the sauce nicely. If you’re out of bowtie pasta, any pasta will work, like penne or rotini. Just choose one that you like!
Cherry Tomatoes: These tomatoes add sweetness when roasted. If you can’t find them, grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes can be a fine substitute. Fresh tomatoes work too but might need a little extra cooking time.
Pesto: Store-bought pesto is super convenient, but homemade is always great if you have the time. You can also use sun-dried tomato pesto for a different flavor or even a vegan pesto to accommodate dietary needs.
Pine Nuts: They add a lovely crunch. If pine nuts are too pricey or not available, you can swap them for toasted walnuts or almonds.
How Do You Roast Tomatoes Perfectly?
Roasting tomatoes is a simple way to enhance their flavor. It takes just a little time, but it gives you those delicious, caramelized bites in your pasta!
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and place them cut-side up on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. This helps them roast evenly.
- Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes until they’re soft and slightly caramelized.
- Keep an eye on them; you want that blistered look without burning!
Trust me, the smell will be incredible, and you’ll want to add these tomatoes to everything!
Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes and Pine Nuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (red and yellow), halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and sliced or shredded
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare, including about 20 minutes of roasting tomatoes and cooking pasta while seasoning everything. Perfect for a quick dinner without sacrificing flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Roast the Tomatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take your halved cherry tomatoes and spread them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place them in the oven and roast for about 15-20 minutes, until they are blistered and slightly caramelized. This sweetens them up beautifully!
2. Cook the Pasta:
While the tomatoes are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add your bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta but remember to save about 1/4 cup of the pasta water for later.
3. Toast the Pine Nuts:
In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the pine nuts. Toast them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they’re golden brown. Keep a close eye to prevent them from burning! Once done, remove them from the heat and set aside.
4. Enhance the Flavor:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. This is the moment your kitchen will start to smell wonderful!
5. Combine Ingredients:
Next, add the cooked chicken to the skillet with the garlic and warm it through for 2-3 minutes. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked pasta, roasted tomatoes, chicken and garlic, and the basil pesto. Toss gently to ensure everything is coated evenly. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the pasta to a serving dish and top with the toasted pine nuts and chopped fresh basil if you’re using it. Serve warm and dig in to your delicious Chicken Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes and Pine Nuts!
This meal is bursting with flavors and textures, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a gathering. Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes and Pine Nuts
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works wonderfully, you can substitute it with any pasta like penne, rotini, or even spaghetti. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the pasta type!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to help loosen the sauce.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding more roasted vegetables or chickpeas for protein. A few sautéed mushrooms or spinach mixed into the pasta would also be delicious!
How Can I Add More Flavor to the Pesto?
If you want to amp up the flavor of your pesto, consider adding extra garlic, a squeeze of lemon juice, or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. These additions can take the taste to the next level!
