Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and creamy pesto sauce, making it an ideal dish for picnics, barbecues, or quick weeknight meals. This vibrant salad bursts with flavors from fresh veggies and herbs, ensuring a satisfying experience in every bite. Whether served cold or at room temperature, it promises to impress your family and friends alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling/Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz fusilli or penne pasta
- 1 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (approximately 8-10 minutes), then drain and cool.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper; grill over medium heat for about 6 minutes per side until cooked through. Alternatively, bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta and pesto until well coated.
- Stir in halved cherry tomatoes and spinach.
- Slice grilled chicken into bite-sized pieces and fold them into the salad mixture.
- Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Find it online: https://carmenrecipes.com/easy-chicken-pesto-pasta-salad/