Chicken Pasta Salad with Pesto

Brighten up your mealtime with this irresistible Chicken Pasta Salad with Pesto, a vibrant combination of tender penne pasta, juicy chicken breast, and crisp vegetables all tossed in a zesty pesto dressing. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing dish for potlucks. The addition of cherry tomatoes, fresh baby spinach, and crunchy red bell peppers brings a refreshing medley of textures and flavors, while a hint of lemon juice in the pesto dressing adds a delightful tang. Ready in just 35 minutes, this versatile salad can be served warm or chilled and pairs beautifully with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra indulgence. Packed with protein and wholesome ingredients, this chicken pasta salad is a delicious, nutritious way to upgrade your lunch or dinner routine!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 grams penne pasta
• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 piece red bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and black pepper, then cook them in the skillet for about 6-8 minutes per side or until fully cooked and browned. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

Step 3

Prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the red bell pepper into thin strips, and rinse and pat dry the baby spinach.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and bell pepper.

Step 5

In a small bowl, whisk together the pesto sauce, remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and lemon juice until well blended.

Step 6

Pour the pesto dressing over the pasta salad ingredients in the mixing bowl. Toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if necessary.

Step 8

Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1228.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2977.9

Total Fat 139.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 31.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 15.6g
Cholesterol 352.0mg	0%
Sodium 4846.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 247.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.2g	0%
Total Sugars 9.8g
Protein 183.2g	0%

Vitamin D 22.5IU	0%
Calcium 1046.5mg	0%
Iron 19.7mg	0%
Potassium 2431.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.1%

Protein: 24.7%

Carbs: 33.2%