# Components:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
→ Chicken
02 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced (approx. 14 oz)
03 - 1 tbsp olive oil
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
05 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Sauce
06 - 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
07 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
08 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
→ Vegetables (optional)
09 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
10 - 2 cups baby spinach
→ Garnish
11 - 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts (optional)
12 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese
13 - Fresh basil leaves
# Directions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water, then set pasta aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season diced chicken with salt and pepper. Sauté chicken for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
03 - Reduce heat to medium. Add basil pesto and heavy cream to the same skillet, stirring to combine. Simmer for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
04 - Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add pasta, reserved pasta water, and Parmesan cheese. Toss thoroughly to coat all components evenly with the sauce.
05 - If desired, incorporate cherry tomatoes and baby spinach. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until spinach wilts and tomatoes soften slightly.
06 - Serve immediately, topped with toasted pine nuts, additional Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil leaves.
