Creamy Pesto Chicken And Bow Ties
Creamy pesto chicken and bow tie pasta combine tender chicken, flavorful pesto, and rich creamy sauce for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the bow tie pasta according to the package directions.
- Drain the cooked pasta and set aside.
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add cubed chicken breasts and cook until browned, stirring often.
- Add cream of chicken soup, pesto sauce, and milk to the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and cook over low heat for 5 minutes or until heated through.
- Stir in the drained pasta and cook until heated through.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a bit of grated Parmesan cheese or cream cheese. If you're out of pesto, you can substitute with a basil or spinach sauce. For added flavor, you might sauté some garlic or onions before adding the chicken. This dish is also versatile; feel free to add in some vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy pesto chicken pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread. For a complete meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli. You can also sprinkle some extra pesto or grated cheese on top just before serving for an added burst of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Pesto Chicken And Bow Ties contains roughly 1065 calories, with 17g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (52% of the Daily Value), calcium (44% of the Daily Value), and protein (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1820mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat pasta instead of bow tie pasta?
Yes, whole wheat pasta is a great alternative and will give a nuttier flavor and more fiber. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as whole wheat pasta often takes a bit longer to cook than regular pasta.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free bow tie pasta or any gluten-free pasta of your choice. Just be mindful of the cooking times as gluten-free pasta can cook faster or slower than traditional pasta.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, adding vegetables is a fantastic way to enhance this dish! Consider incorporating spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Simply sauté them with the chicken for added flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).