This Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a wonderful dish filled with tender chicken, delicious pesto, and sweet roasted tomatoes. The pine nuts add a nice crunchy touch!
If you’re like me, you’ll love how quickly this meal comes together. Perfect for busy nights when you still want a tasty dinner! Just toss it all together and enjoy. 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using bow tie (farfalle) pasta for its unique shape that holds sauce well. You could swap it for penne or rotini if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure whatever pasta you choose pairs nicely with pesto!
Cherry Tomatoes: The sweetness of roasted cherry tomatoes elevates the dish. If they aren’t available, grape tomatoes also work great. Canned diced tomatoes can be a last-minute alternative, but they won’t have the same texture.
Chicken: I find boneless, skinless chicken breasts are quick-cooking and easy to handle. Feel free to use thighs for extra flavor or even shredded rotisserie chicken to save time!
Pesto: Store-bought pesto is a real time-saver and tastes amazing, but homemade is a fantastic option too. You can even swap in sun-dried tomato pesto for a different flavor twist!
Pine Nuts: They add a crunchy element that I really enjoy. If you can’t find pine nuts, try sliced almonds or walnuts instead—just toast them the same way for that lovely crunch!
How Do I Roast Tomatoes Perfectly?
Roasting tomatoes is super easy but does require a bit of attention for the best results! Here’s how to get those delicious, caramelized flavors:
- Use a baking sheet lined with parchment to avoid sticking and make cleaning easier.
- Coat the tomatoes evenly with olive oil and seasonings, ensuring they’re in a single layer for even roasting.
- Keep an eye on them around the 15-minute mark; they should be blistered and slightly caramelized. Less is more—don’t overcook them or they’ll lose their juiciness!
Enjoy this dish and make it your own with these tips! Happy cooking!
Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes and Pine Nuts
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz bow tie (farfalle) pasta
For the Roasted Tomatoes:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (a mix of red and yellow), halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Pesto Toss:
- 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional for garnish)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, resulting in a total time of around 40 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something quick yet impressive!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Tomatoes:
Set your oven to preheat at 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, take the halved cherry tomatoes and toss them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will help them roast nicely!
2. Roast the Tomatoes:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and let the tomatoes roast for about 20 minutes. You want them to blister and get that lovely caramelized flavor. Once they look perfect, take them out and set aside.
3. Cook the Pasta:
While your tomatoes are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing.
5. Toast the Pine Nuts:
In another dry skillet over medium heat, add the pine nuts. Stir them frequently until they are golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Watch closely so they don’t burn!
6. Combine Everything:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted tomatoes along with their juices, sliced chicken, and basil pesto. Toss gently until everything is well coated and heated through.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Plate your delicious chicken pesto pasta and sprinkle with the toasted pine nuts. If you’re feeling fancy, add some freshly chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese on top!
8. Enjoy:
Serve warm, and enjoy your flavorful, easy chicken pesto pasta with roasted tomatoes and crunchy pine nuts. It’s sure to be a hit!
This dish perfectly balances the savory pesto, juicy tomatoes, tender chicken, and delightful crunch from the pine nuts. Happy cooking!
FAQ about Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes and Pine Nuts
Can I Use Store-Bought Pesto Instead of Homemade?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto is a great time-saver and works wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to choose a quality brand for the best flavor!
Can I Substitute the Chicken with Another Protein?
Yes, you can easily swap the chicken for shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Cook shrimp until they’re pink and firm, or sauté the tofu until golden brown to give it a nice texture!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of olive oil or a dash of water to keep it moist.
What If I Don’t Have Pine Nuts?
No worries! If you can’t find pine nuts, you can substitute them with toasted almonds, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds for a different crunch. Just make sure to toast them for added flavor!
