Get ready to transform your ordinary meal into a mouthwatering culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance! This Pesto Pasta Salad with Chicken isn't just another recipe—it's a vibrant, fresh, and incredibly easy dish that brings the sunny flavors of Italy right to your dinner table. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, potlucks, or those lazy weekend lunches, this recipe promises to be your new go-to meal that combines convenience, nutrition, and irresistible taste in one delightful package.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta of choice
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta (8 ounces) to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. If you haven't already, dice 2 cups of cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This will also help prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, and 1/2 cup of pesto. Toss gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the pesto.
- Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the bowl. Gently fold them into the pasta salad to incorporate their freshness without breaking them apart.
- Sprinkle in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined.
- For best flavor, let the pesto pasta salad sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If desired, you can refrigerate it for a short time before serving.
- Serve the pesto pasta salad chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired dish!
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Use short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or farfalle that hold the pesto sauce beautifully and are easy to eat.
- Chicken Prep Hack: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time without compromising flavor.
- Pesto Power: For an extra flavor boost, use homemade pesto or a high-quality store-bought version with fresh basil and good olive oil.
- Temperature Matters: Cooling the pasta under cold water prevents overcooking and helps the salad maintain a perfect texture.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, allowing the flavors to fully develop.
- Customize Your Creation: Feel free to add extra vegetables like roasted bell peppers or spinach to increase nutrition and variety.
- Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 290kcal
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg
