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Pesto Pasta with Roast Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes

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When life gets busy, this Pesto Pasta with Roast Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes is the kind of dinner that saves the day. It’s fresh, flavorful, and comes together with just a handful of ingredients — many of which you may already have on hand.

Sweet, burst cherry tomatoes roast until jammy and caramelized, then get tossed with tender pasta, shredded rotisserie chicken, and vibrant pesto. The result is a colorful, comforting bowl that feels homemade without requiring hours in the kitchen.

This recipe is also wonderfully kid-friendly. With supervision, little helpers can toss the tomatoes, stir the pasta, and mix everything together. It’s simple enough for beginners but delicious enough to serve to anyone at the table.

Minimal prep. Big flavor. Total weeknight win.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 3/4 pound bow-tie pasta

  • 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded

  • 1/2 cup pesto

Instructions

  • Preheat a toaster oven or regular oven to 400°F.

  • On a baking sheet, toss the cherry tomatoes with olive oil and kosher salt. Spread into a single layer.

  • Roast for about 25 minutes, or until the tomatoes begin to burst and caramelize.

  • Meanwhile, cook the bow-tie pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

  • Shred the rotisserie chicken, discarding the skin and bones.

  • In a large bowl, toss the warm pasta with the shredded chicken, pesto, and roasted tomatoes. Mix until evenly coated.

  • Serve warm.

Notes

  • Any short pasta shape works well — penne, rotini, or shells are great substitutes.

  • Use store-bought pesto or homemade basil, kale, or nut-free pesto.

  • Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or fresh basil before serving for extra flavor.

  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be enjoyed warm or cold.

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Recipe Rebuild is a community and newsletter written by real people who are parents, having real conversations about our families, cooking traditions, and cultures. We are passionate about raising healthy and happy kids while navigating the challenges of picky eaters, dietary restrictions, busy schedules, and daily life.