Description
A delightful creamy pasta dish infused with aromatic basil pesto.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups gluten-free bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the gluten-free bowtie pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and carefully add your pasta. Follow the package instructions for cooking time, ensuring that you stir occasionally. Once al dente, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside. Be sure to reserve some of the pasta water in case you need to thin out your sauce later.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the shredded or diced cooked chicken to the skillet. Sauté the chicken for about two minutes until it’s warmed through. At this stage, sprinkle the chicken with garlic powder and give it a good stir to evenly coat the chicken in the garlic flavor, enhancing the dish’s aroma.
- Lower the heat slightly and pour in the heavy cream. Stir the mixture, letting it simmer gently for a few minutes. You want the cream to heat up without boiling, as this can alter the texture. Once the cream starts to bubble softly, add in the basil pesto, stirring continuously. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, enhancing the flavors as they meld.
- After your sauce has thickened and is wonderfully fragrant, add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy pesto sauce. Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, giving the dish bursts of freshness and color. Make sure they’re well incorporated without mashing the tomatoes.
- Lastly, season the dish with salt and pepper to your taste. To elevate the flavors even further, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top, allowing it to melt slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a beautiful presentation and an added layer of freshness. Serve your Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta warm alongside a crisp side salad or gluten-free bread.
Notes
Check the pasta package for cooking times, as gluten-free varieties can differ greatly. If you find the sauce too thick, incorporate a little reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Protein: 35 g