Pesto Chicken Pasta
Pesto Chicken Pasta is a medium Italian-American recipe that serves 4. 610 calories per serving. Recipe by Old's Cool Kevmo on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 15 min
Cost: $15.54 total, $3.89 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (trimmed and patted dry)
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra virgin preferred)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Basil Leaves (chopped, plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (kosher or sea salt)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tablespoon Tomato Bouillon (or tomato paste diluted with water)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 tablespoon Caesar Dressing (adds creaminess to chicken coating)
- 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes (halved if large)
- 12 ounces Bow Tie Pasta (Farfalle) (dry weight)
- 0.5 cup Fresh Pesto (store‑bought or homemade)
- 0.25 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 2 tablespoons Pine Nuts (lightly toasted)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 400°F and let it fully preheat while you prepare the tomatoes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 400°F
Prepare Garlicky Tomatoes
In a mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, a pinch of salt and pepper, and chopped basil. Toss until evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Roast Tomatoes
Spread the coated tomatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 15 minutes, or until blistered and juicy.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 400°F
Season Chicken Thighs
While the tomatoes roast, place the chicken thighs in a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, tomato bouillon, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, basil, and Caesar dressing. Mix thoroughly so every piece is well coated.
Time: PT5M
Grill Chicken
Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the coated chicken thighs and sear for about 7‑8 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes, then chop into bite‑size pieces.
Time: PT15M
Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow‑tie pasta and cook al dente according to package directions, about 10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
Time: PT12M
Combine All Elements
In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the chopped chicken, roasted tomatoes, cooked pasta, and pesto. Toss over medium heat for 2‑3 minutes, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a silky coating.
Time: PT5M
Plate and Garnish
Serve the pasta on plates, sprinkle with grated Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, and extra fresh basil leaves.
Time: PT3M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 610
- Protein
- 35g
- Carbohydrates
- 62g
- Fat
- 22g
- Fiber
- 5g
Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains nuts, Contains gluten, Not vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Tree nuts, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: boneless skinless chicken breast, turkey thigh meat
- Instead of Olive Oil: avocado oil, vegetable oil
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1 tsp), garlic paste
- Instead of Fresh Basil Leaves: dried basil (1 tsp), Italian parsley
- Instead of Salt: sea salt, table salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper, ground pepper blend
- Instead of Tomato Bouillon: tomato paste, tomato sauce
- Instead of Garlic Powder: fresh minced garlic (1 clove), garlic salt (reduce added salt)
- Instead of Paprika: smoked paprika, chili powder (reduce amount)
- Instead of Dried Oregano: Italian seasoning, fresh oregano (1 tsp chopped)
- Instead of Caesar Dressing: Greek yogurt with lemon juice, light mayo mixed with Parmesan
- Instead of Cherry Tomatoes: regular plum tomatoes, quartered, canned diced tomatoes (drained)
- Instead of Bow Tie Pasta (Farfalle): penne, gluten‑free pasta
- Instead of Fresh Pesto: basil pesto sauce, spinach pesto
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano
- Instead of Pine Nuts: slivered almonds, toasted walnuts
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Skillet or Grill Pan
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Mixing Bowl
- Tongs
- Wooden Spoon
- Grater
- Measuring Spoons
- Cutting Board
- Chef Knife
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Roasting the tomatoes until blistered
- Coating the chicken evenly with spices and Caesar dressing
- Cooking the chicken through without drying it out
- Cooking pasta al dente and reserving pasta water
- Tossing everything with pesto to create a silky sauce
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use fresh basil for the pesto and garnish for brightest flavor.
- A drizzle of lemon juice at the end brightens the dish.
- For extra crunch, add toasted breadcrumbs on top.
Troubleshooting
Chicken turns out dry.
Do not overcook; grill until just cooked through and let rest before chopping. You can also add a splash of chicken broth while tossing.
Pasta is mushy.
Cook pasta al dente and reserve cooking water; avoid over‑cooking and drain promptly.
Pesto sauce separates.
Add reserved pasta water gradually while tossing; keep heat low and stir continuously.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Chicken and pasta can be frozen separately for up to 2 months; reheat gently and add fresh pesto after thawing.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Roast the tomatoes a day ahead and store in the fridge.
- Season and grill the chicken in advance; reheat gently before tossing with pasta.
- Pesto can be made ahead and kept refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of pesto chicken pasta with garlicky roasted tomatoes in Italian‑American cuisine?
Pesto originates from Liguria in north‑west Italy, traditionally made with basil, pine nuts, cheese, garlic, and olive oil. Combining it with chicken and roasted tomatoes reflects the Italian‑American tradition of adapting classic sauces to heartier, protein‑rich meals for family dinners.
What are the traditional regional variations of pesto chicken pasta in Italy and how do they differ from this recipe?
In Italy, pesto is often paired with trofie or trenette pasta and served with potatoes and green beans. Chicken is rarely added. This recipe adapts the sauce to a protein‑forward American style, using bow‑tie pasta and roasted tomatoes for extra sweetness.
How is pesto chicken pasta traditionally served in the United States?
In the U.S., it is commonly plated as a family‑style main course, topped with grated Parmesan and toasted pine nuts, and often accompanied by garlic bread or a simple green salad.
What occasions or celebrations is pesto chicken pasta with garlicky roasted tomatoes typically associated with in Italian‑American families?
It is a popular weeknight dinner but also appears at casual gatherings, potlucks, and weekend family meals because it can be prepared quickly yet feels special enough for guests.
What makes pesto chicken pasta with garlicky roasted tomatoes special or unique in Italian‑American cuisine?
The combination of sweet, blistered tomatoes with a creamy basil pesto creates a layered flavor profile, while the chicken adds protein and richness, making it a balanced, comforting dish that stands out from plain pasta meals.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for pesto chicken pasta versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic pesto uses fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, and extra‑virgin olive oil. Acceptable substitutes include spinach or arugula for basil, walnuts for pine nuts, Pecorino Romano for Parmesan, and avocado oil for olive oil.
What other Italian‑American dishes pair well with pesto chicken pasta with garlicky roasted tomatoes?
A crisp Caesar salad, roasted asparagus, or a simple bruschetta complement the flavors, while a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or Chianti balances the richness of the pesto.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making pesto chicken pasta with garlicky roasted tomatoes?
Overcooking the chicken, under‑roasting the tomatoes, and letting the pesto overheat are common pitfalls. Keep the chicken juicy, roast tomatoes until blistered, and toss the pesto gently over low heat.
Why does this recipe use a small amount of Caesar dressing in the chicken coating instead of cream?
The Caesar dressing adds a subtle tang and emulsifies the oil, giving the chicken a creamy mouthfeel without the heaviness of cream, which keeps the dish light and lets the pesto shine.
What does the YouTube channel Old's Cool Kevmo specialize in?
The YouTube channel Old's Cool Kevmo focuses on quick, approachable home‑cooking videos that blend classic comfort foods with modern twists, often featuring one‑pan or minimal‑cleanup meals.
How does the YouTube channel Old's Cool Kevmo's approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Old's Cool Kevmo emphasizes speed and simplicity, using everyday pantry staples and straightforward techniques, whereas many other channels may delve into more elaborate preparations or gourmet presentations.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
