Creamy Pesto Bow Tie Chicken Delight
Get ready to enjoy a delightful weeknight dinner that packs a flavorful punch! This Creamy Pesto Bow Tie Chicken Delight combines tender, cubed chicken breast with rich creamy pesto sauce, all served atop perfectly cooked bow tie pasta. In just 20 minutes, you'll have a luscious, satisfying meal that’s not only quick but also remarkably easy to prepare. Perfect for busy evenings, serve it with a fresh tossed salad and warm, crusty bread on the side for the ultimate comfort meal that the whole family will adore!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
bow tie pasta
3 cups (uncooked)
butter
2 tablespoons (or margarine)
boneless skinless chicken breast
1 - 1 1/4 lb (cubed)
cream of chicken soup
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) (ready to use)
prepared pesto sauce
1/2 cup (I recommend Classico Basil Pesto Sauce)
milk
1/2 cup (whole or low-fat)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter or margarine. Once melted, add the cubed chicken breast and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
3
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the cream of chicken soup, pesto sauce, and milk. Mix well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4
Let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5
Add the cooked bow tie pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy pesto sauce. Heat through for an additional 2 minutes.
6
Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Pesto Bow Tie Chicken Delight?
It is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that combines tender chicken breast with a rich creamy pesto sauce and bow tie pasta.
How long does it take to prepare this meal?
The entire recipe takes approximately 20 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for busy evenings.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What type of pasta is required?
You will need 3 cups of uncooked bow tie pasta.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either butter or margarine to cook the chicken.
How much chicken is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 to 1 1/4 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breast.
How should the chicken be prepared before cooking?
The chicken breast should be cubed into bite-sized pieces.
What is the base of the creamy sauce?
The sauce is made from a combination of cream of chicken soup, milk, and prepared pesto sauce.
Is there a specific pesto sauce brand recommended?
The recipe recommends using Classico Basil Pesto Sauce for the best flavor.
What type of milk should I use for the sauce?
You can use either whole or low-fat milk.
How long do I cook the chicken?
The cubed chicken should be cooked for about 5-7 minutes until it is browned and cooked through.
How should I cook the bow tie pasta?
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until it is al dente.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
It is delicious when served with a fresh tossed salad and warm, crusty bread.
How long should the sauce simmer?
After mixing the soup, pesto, and milk, let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
When do I add the pasta to the sauce?
Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet after the sauce has finished simmering.
What are some suggested garnishes for this dish?
You can garnish the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is a family-friendly comfort meal that is both quick and satisfying.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
While bow tie pasta is recommended, you can substitute it with other shapes like penne or rotini if needed.
How do I ensure the pasta is al dente?
Follow the specific boiling time listed on the pasta package and test for a firm bite before draining.
What heat level should I use to cook the chicken?
The chicken should be cooked over medium-high heat.
What heat level should I use for the sauce?
Once the sauce ingredients are added, reduce the heat to medium-low for the simmer.
Should I season the chicken?
Yes, you should season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper while it is browning in the skillet.
Is the cream of chicken soup used concentrated?
The recipe calls for one 10 3/4 ounce can of ready-to-use cream of chicken soup.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for chicken breasts.
How much pesto is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of prepared pesto sauce.
Can this meal be made ahead of time?
While best served fresh, it can be reheated; however, you may need to add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food due to its rich, creamy texture and pasta base.
Do I need to boil the milk separately?
No, the milk is stirred directly into the skillet with the soup and pesto and brought to a gentle boil together.
What is the final step of the cooking process?
The final step is to toss the pasta with the sauce and heat through for an additional 2 minutes.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
While not in the original recipe, you could easily add peas or spinach during the simmering stage for extra nutrition.