Description
Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings together tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and al dente pasta all enveloped in a creamy basil pesto. Whether enjoyed at a sunny picnic or as a comforting dinner at home, this salad is versatile and perfect for meal prep. With its colorful presentation and delightful taste, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup fresh basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- 1. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Let rest before slicing.
- 2. Boil the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
- 3. Prep Veggies: Halve cherry tomatoes and chop spinach.
- 4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix pasta, sliced chicken, tomatoes, spinach, and pesto sauce. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan.
- 5. Mix Well: Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly with the pesto. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- 6. Chill or Serve: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for about an hour for chilled flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg