Description
Experience a taste of summer with this vibrant Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad. Bursting with fresh flavors, tender grilled chicken, and colorful cherry tomatoes, this dish is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners. With its delightful combination of textures and the irresistible aroma of homemade pesto, each bite feels like a culinary getaway. Easy to make and customizable based on your pantry staples, this salad will have your taste buds dancing!
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup fresh basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from heat and let cool before dicing.
- 2. Prepare the Pasta: In a pot of boiling salted water, cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- 3. Mix the Pesto Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with basil pesto. Stir until all noodles are evenly coated.
- 4. Add Fresh Ingredients: Fold in halved cherry tomatoes and diced chicken for added flavor and color.
- 5. Toss in Cheese and Lemon Juice: Grate Parmesan cheese into the mixture and drizzle with lemon juice for brightness.
- 6. Season & Serve: Give everything a final toss to combine well. Adjust seasoning as needed before serving immediately or refrigerating for later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg