Imagine a dish that combines the vibrant flavors of Italy with the comfort of a home-cooked meal - this Pesto Chicken Bow Tie Pasta is about to become your new culinary obsession! Packed with tender shredded chicken, sun-kissed sundried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all embraced by a luscious pesto sauce, this recipe transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz bow tie pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup spinach, fresh
- 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the bow tie pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the shredded chicken if not already cooked. Ensure chicken is warm and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Drain the pasta in a colander, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water to help create a smooth sauce later.
- Return the drained pasta to the pot and add the pesto sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly.
- Fold in the shredded chicken, chopped sundried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. The residual heat will slightly wilt the spinach.
- If the mixture seems dry, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the ingredients.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and gently mix to distribute.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately in individual pasta bowls, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Use high-quality pesto for maximum flavor - homemade or a premium store-bought brand makes a huge difference.
- Don't overcook the pasta! Al dente is key to maintaining the perfect texture.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining - it's liquid gold for creating a silky, clingy sauce.
- For extra richness, use rotisserie chicken or freshly grilled chicken breast.
- Toast the Parmesan cheese briefly under the broiler for a nutty, caramelized finish.
- If you prefer a lighter version, use whole wheat pasta and Greek yogurt-based pesto.
- Fresh spinach wilts beautifully with the residual heat - don't pre-cook it!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
