Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
Elevate your mealtime with this vibrant and hearty Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad, a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and bold flavors. Tender penne pasta, juicy pan-seared chicken, and fresh baby spinach come together in a creamy basil pesto sauce, while bursts of sweetness from cherry tomatoes and the creamy richness of mozzarella pearls add irresistible layers of texture and taste. Finished with golden, toasty pine nuts and fragrant fresh basil leaves, this easy-to-make salad is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Whether served warm or chilled, it’s an ideal dish for meal prep, picnics, or light lunches, ready in just 35 minutes. Indulge in this basil-forward pasta salad that’s as satisfying as it is refreshing!
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Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 large chicken breast
- 1 cup basil pesto sauce
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 cup pine nuts
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves
Directions
Step 1
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside.
Step 2
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Step 3
Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Remove from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
Step 4
Halve the cherry tomatoes and set aside.
Step 5
Toast the pine nuts in a small dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, mozzarella pearls, and basil leaves.
Step 7
Add the basil pesto sauce and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the bowl. Toss until everything is evenly coated in pesto.
Step 8
Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the salad and gently toss one last time.
Step 9
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper to preference.
Step 10
Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours for a cold pasta salad. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1546.8g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3715.3 |
| Total Fat 203.2g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 49.5g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 15.6g | |
| Cholesterol 423.6mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5514.3mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 292.0g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 22.9g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 21.3g | |
| Protein 193.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1380.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 25.6mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3024.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories