Quick & Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

This chicken pesto pasta is a vibrant, Italian-inspired weeknight dinner combining garlic-infused chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy basil pesto—ready in just 30 minutes!

Prep Time: 10 minutes   Cook Time: 20 minutes   Total Time: 30 minutes   Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients for Chicken Pesto Pasta

• 1 (16 ounce) package bow tie (farfalle) pasta
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

How to Make Chicken Pesto Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bow tie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this garlic chicken base adds rich flavor to the sauce.
4. Stir in the seasoned chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, or until golden brown and no longer pink in the center.
5. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes to release their sweet, tangy notes.
6. Lower the heat, then stir in the pesto and reserved pasta water to create a silky, pesto sauce. Mix well.
7. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, making sure every piece is coated with the vibrant green pesto and garlic chicken mixture.
8. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, toss again, and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Tips & Variations for Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Protein swap: Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian twist.
• Veggie boost: Stir in baby spinach, peas, or zucchini ribbons for extra color and nutrition.
• Make it creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta to the pesto for a richer sauce.
• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free pasta to keep this Italian-inspired dinner allergy-friendly.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pesto Pasta

With delightful bursts of sun-dried tomato and a garlicky chicken twist, this pasta al pesto is both family-friendly and gourmet enough to impress guests. It’s a go-to quick weeknight meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare—this chicken pesto pasta will become a staple in your recipe rotation!