Name: Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Broccolini Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cleaned and pounded to ⅓ inch thickness); 2 cups farfalle pasta (dry – 5.5 oz); 8 oz broccolini (cut into 1 inch stalks, about 2 cups or 1 bunch); 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved); ¼ cup basil pesto; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ cup chicken broth; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; ¼ cup minced onion; Grated parmesan cheese; Red pepper flakes

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 14 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Broccolini Recipe because it brings together some of my favorite vibrant flavors and textures in one bowl. Each bite is a delightful mix of tender chicken, the fresh brightness of cherry tomatoes, and the slight crunch of broccolini, all wrapped in a luscious, creamy pesto sauce. It’s a dish that feels special yet is remarkably simple to prepare, making it a go-to for both busy weeknights and casual gatherings with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Broccolini Recipe

What draws me to this recipe time after time is the incredible flavor harmony. The creamy basil pesto coats every piece of farfalle pasta, while the juicy cherry tomatoes add bursts of sweetness that balance the savoriness of the seared chicken. The broccolini introduces a fresh, slightly peppery crunch that keeps the dish feeling light and vibrant rather than heavy. Honestly, the taste is just so rewarding — it feels like comfort food with a sophisticated twist.

Another reason I adore this dish is how effortless it is to put together. Most of the ingredients are pantry and fridge staples for me, and once the chicken is searing, it’s just a matter of layering in the garlic, onions, veggies, and pesto. Even if you’re not a seasoned cook, I find this recipe forgiving and straightforward. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile for all sorts of occasions—whether it’s a lively dinner party, a cozy family meal, or something special to impress friends on a weekend.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white pan with two golden brown cooked pieces of meat, seasoned lightly with black pepper, sitting in some oil. Around the pan are three white bowls: one filled with bright green broccoli pieces on the top left, one with sliced red cherry tomatoes above the pan, and one with green pesto sauce below the pan. There are also some uncooked yellow farfalle pasta scattered on the white marbled surface, along with a few basil leaves and halved cherry tomatoes. A light green cloth is draped on the bottom right edge. The scene is clean and bright, focused on the cooking process. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

For this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Broccolini Recipe, the ingredients are simple yet thoughtfully chosen. Each one plays a vital role in bringing out the dish’s vibrant colors, rich flavors, and satisfying textures that make every mouthful so enjoyable.

1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for searing chicken and sautéing aromatics, adding a subtle fruitiness.
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Pounded to an even thickness for even cooking and tender bites.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat that complements the pesto.
¼ cup chicken broth: Perfect for deglazing the pan and building a flavorful base.
2 cups farfalle pasta (dry, 5.5 oz): The fun bow-tie shape holds sauce beautifully and adds chewiness.
1 tablespoon minced garlic: Brings a punch of aromatic depth to the dish.
¼ cup minced onion: Adds natural sweetness and texture variance.
2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved): Provide juicy bursts of acidity and vibrant color.
8 oz broccolini (cut into 1-inch stalks): Adds a fresh crunch with a mild, slightly bitter note.
¼ cup basil pesto: The star ingredient lending creamy herbaceous flavor throughout.
Optional grated cheese + red pepper flakes: Perfect for garnishing with extra flavor and a hint of spice.

Directions

Step 1: Start by cleaning and pounding your chicken. Place each breast between two pieces of saran wrap and use a meat mallet to pound them to about ⅓ inch thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay tender. Then sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 2: Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While the oil warms, bring a small pot of salted water to a boil to cook your pasta later.

Step 3: Once your pan is hot, sear the chicken breasts for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until you have a beautiful golden-brown crust and the chicken is cooked through. Set the chicken aside on a clean plate to rest for a few minutes.

Step 4: Without cleaning your pan, add the minced onion and garlic to the skillet. The browned bits stuck to the bottom add incredible flavor here. Sauté the onion and garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant and starting to soften.

Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon as you stir the broth, onion, and garlic together. This creates a tasty base for your veggies.

Step 6: Add your farfalle pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, usually about 10 to 12 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 7: Return to your skillet and add the cut broccolini. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for about 4 minutes, allowing the broccolini to steam and soften slightly while retaining some bite.

Step 8: Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan. Stir to mix everything together, cover again, and let them cook for an additional 5 minutes, which lets the tomatoes soften and release their juices, deepening the flavor.

Step 9: While the veggies simmer, slice your rested chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 10: Add the cooked pasta, pesto, and chicken pieces to the skillet with the broccolini and tomatoes. Stir gently to combine everything evenly and let the warmth fully meld the flavors for a minute or two.

Step 11: Serve immediately, topping each portion with freshly grated cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat.

Servings and Timing

This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Broccolini Recipe makes about 4 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner or sharing with friends. Prep time is roughly 10 minutes, mostly pounding chicken and prepping vegetables. Cook time is about 35 minutes, including searing, simmering veggies, and pasta cooking. The total time you’ll need from start to finish is approximately 45 minutes. There’s no resting time required after cooking, making this a fairly quick meal to enjoy fresh.

How to Serve This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Broccolini Recipe

The dish is presented in a white bowl filled with layers of yellow bowtie pasta mixed with bright green broccoli pieces and halved red cherry tomatoes. On top of the pasta and vegetables are light brown, cubed cooked chicken pieces scattered evenly. Fresh green basil leaves are placed on top, adding a pop of color. The entire dish is sprinkled with white grated cheese, giving it a slightly textured look. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a close-up focus on the vibrant, fresh ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this dish straight from the pan while it’s still warm because the pesto stays silky and coats each ingredient so beautifully. For a fresh contrast, I sometimes add a crisp side salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a simple arugula salad tossed with olive oil and parmesan. The brightness of those greens really complements the richness of the pasta.

The dish looks gorgeous topped with extra parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and heat. For special occasions, I like to arrange it on large white plates, adding a few fresh basil leaves on top to emphasize the herbal notes. Portion-wise, I tend to serve slightly smaller helpings when paired with sides but go for hearty plates when this is the main event.

When it comes to drinks, this pasta pairs wonderfully with a chilled glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with a slice of lemon or a chilled herbal iced tea keeps things refreshing. This meal is perfect for family dinners, casual weekend lunches, or even a charming dinner party where you want something that tastes as good as it looks.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Broccolini Recipe is how adaptable it is. If you want to swap the chicken for shrimp or even sliced sausage, it’s just as delicious. For a vegetarian twist, replacing chicken with sautéed mushrooms or grilled tofu works beautifully. And if you’re into seafood, lightly seared scallops could make the dish feel extra special.

For dietary modifications, you can easily make this gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free farfalle or pasta alternative. Vegan versions can be made by swapping out chicken for chickpeas or plant-based chicken substitutes and using a dairy-free pesto that skips the parmesan — I sometimes blend basil with nutritional yeast and pine nuts for that cheesy flavor without dairy.

If you want to shake up the flavors, try using sun-dried tomato pesto instead of basil pesto for a smoky, intense twist. Or add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for a bright pop that livens up the whole dish. I’ve even tossed in a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch and nuttiness. You could also finish the pasta in the oven just for a few minutes under the broiler with cheese on top to create a lightly baked crusted version.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Broccolini Recipe, store them in an airtight container to keep everything fresh and flavorful. I recommend using a glass or BPA-free plastic container to maintain taste integrity. Stored properly, the leftovers will stay good in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, giving you easy, ready-made meals during the busy week.

Freezing

This pasta dish freezes reasonably well if you want to save portions for later. To freeze, allow the pasta to cool completely, then pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. I suggest eating frozen leftovers within 2 months for the best flavor. Keep in mind that the texture of broccolini may be slightly softer after freezing and reheating, so it’s ideal to freeze before adding any optional garnishes like cheese.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat this creamy pasta is gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce and stir often to prevent sticking. Microwaving works too, but do so in short intervals and stir between each to preserve the creamy consistency without drying it out. I avoid high heat reheating as it can cause the chicken to become tough and the sauce to separate. Reheating slowly allows the flavors to meld once again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While I love farfalle for this dish because it holds the sauce well in its folds, you can certainly swap it for penne, rotini, fusilli, or even spaghetti if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly to keep your pasta perfectly al dente.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare most components ahead. I suggest cooking and slicing the chicken, prepping veggies, and making the pesto in advance, then assembling and warming the dish just before serving. This approach is great for stress-free entertaining or busy nights.

What can I do if I don’t have broccolini on hand?

If broccolini isn’t available, substitute with regular broccoli florets or even asparagus tips. Both provide a similar fresh, green crunch and pair nicely with the creamy pesto sauce without overpowering other flavors.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Definitely! Swap out the chicken with hearty mushrooms or chickpeas, and use a vegan pesto (made without cheese) or a homemade blend with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Just be sure to check the pasta ingredients to confirm it’s egg-free if you are strictly vegan.

How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust the heat?

The base recipe is mild, with no added spice unless you use red pepper flakes as an optional garnish. If you like a little kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes to taste or add a dash of cayenne pepper when sautéing garlic and onions to infuse heat subtly.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Broccolini Recipe a try soon. It’s one of those dishes that always brings a smile to my face with its beautiful colors, fresh flavors, and comforting creaminess, yet it never feels heavy or overwhelming. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself, this is a recipe that delivers big on taste without fuss. Enjoy every bite!